Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To provide a saddle-type vehicle that allows for easy control of harness movement while keeping the number of parts to a minimum. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle comprises a handle (21) that the rider grips, a lever pivot (70) supported by the handle (21), a clutch lever (80) that is pivotably supported by the lever pivot (70) and disconnects and connects power transmission, a sensor (91) provided on the lever pivot (70) for detecting the state of the clutch lever (80), and a harness (133) with one end connected to the sensor (91). In this saddle-type vehicle, the lever pivot (70) includes a harness support portion (79) that supports the harness (133), and the sensor (91) is attached to the lever pivot (70) facing the harness support portion (79).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a saddle-riding type vehicle equipped with a sensor for detecting the operating state of a clutch lever is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, a harness extends from the sensor, and the harness needs to be guided to a predetermined position. For this reason, if the harness has a large slack without being properly guided, the harness may come into contact with other members, accelerating the deterioration of the harness, or there is a risk that the user may come into contact with the harness when operating around the handlebar. In particular, a sensor for detecting the operating state of a clutch lever is provided on the handlebar, so such a risk is likely to occur due to the operation of the handlebar. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a saddle-riding type vehicle that can easily regulate the movement of the harness while suppressing the number of parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A saddle-type vehicle comprises a handle for the rider to grasp, a lever pivot supported by the handle, a clutch lever pivotably supported by the lever pivot for disconnecting and connecting power transmission, a sensor provided on the lever pivot for detecting the state of the clutch lever, and a harness with one end connected to the sensor, wherein the lever pivot includes a harness support portion for supporting the harness, and the sensor is attached to the lever pivot facing the harness support portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This allows for the provision of a saddle-type vehicle that easily restricts the movement of the harness while keeping the number of parts down. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the upper part of the front fork of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the area around the handle of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 4] This figure shows the main part of the cross-section along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a view from above of the area surrounding the clutch lever support mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the left lever pivot. [Figure 7] This is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism, seen from one side in the direction of extension of the support portion. [Figure 8] This is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism, seen from the inside towards the handlebars. [Figure 9] This is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism, seen from the other side in the direction of extension of the support portion. [Figure 10] This is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from one side in the direction of the swing axis. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that comprises a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports the front wheel 13 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for the rider. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the occupant sits straddling a seat 17. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the vehicle frame 11.

[0010] The vehicle frame 11 comprises a head pipe 18 located at the front end of the vehicle frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20.

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 18 so that it can be steered left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a located at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21, which is held by the rider, is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted through the front end portion of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a provided at the rear end portion of the swing arm 16.

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to the exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0014] The saddle-type vehicle 10 also includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which the occupant places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores the fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. [[ID=I7]]

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of the peripheral portion of the upper part of the front fork 14 of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 1, the front fork 14 has a steering stem 31 inserted through the head pipe 18. The steering stem 31 is rotatably supported by the head pipe 18. A top bridge 32 is provided at the upper end of the steering stem 31. A bottom bridge 33 is provided at the lower end of the steering stem 31. A pair of left and right fork tubes 34 are supported by the top bridge 32 and the bottom bridge 33. The fork tubes 34 extend forward and downward, forming a predetermined caster angle with respect to the road surface. In this embodiment, the fork tubes 34 are telescopic shock absorbers and have a spring and damper built in.

[0016] In detail, the fork tube 34 includes a top tube 35 supported by a top bridge 32 and a bottom bridge 33, and a bottom tube 36 (see Figure 1) positioned below the top tube 35 and slidably supported by the top tube 35. In this embodiment, the fork tube 34 has a bottom tube 36 with a larger diameter than the top tube 35 and is of an upright type. The front fork 14 of this embodiment is composed of a steering stem 31, a top bridge 32, a bottom bridge 33, and a pair of left and right fork tubes 34.

[0017] A headlight unit 37 is supported on the upper front side of the front fork 14. Above the headlight unit 37, a meter unit 38 (see Figure 3) is positioned. Front turn signals 39 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the meter unit 38. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is equipped with a body cover 40 that covers the body, which is composed of a body frame 11 and a power unit 12, etc.

[0018] Figure 3 is a plan view of the area around the handle 21 of the saddle-type vehicle 10. A pair of left and right handle holders 50 are provided on the upper surface of the top bridge 32. The handle holders 50 support the handle 21. The handle 21 in this embodiment is a cylindrical bar handle that extends in the left-right direction. In detail, the handle 21 has a substantially U-shaped handle center portion 21a fixed to the handle holder 50, and handle side portions 21b and 21c that extend linearly from both ends of the handle center portion 21a. The handle side portions 21b and 21c extend rearward as they move outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] A cylindrical right grip 51 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the right side of the handlebar section 21b. The right grip 51 is attached to the handlebar section 21b via a throttle pipe (not shown). A right handlebar switch 52 is positioned to the left of the right grip 51. The right handlebar switch 52 rotatably supports the throttle pipe (not shown). The right handlebar switch 52 is fixed to the handlebar section 21b.

[0020] A brake lever support mechanism 53 is located to the left of the right handle switch 52. The brake lever support mechanism 53 has a right lever pivot 54 fixed to the handle side portion 21b. The master cylinder 55, brake lever 56, and right rearview mirror 57 are supported by the right lever pivot 54. In other words, the master cylinder 55, brake lever 56, and right rearview mirror 57 are supported by the handle side portion 21b via the right lever pivot 54.

[0021] A cylindrical left grip 61 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the left side of the handlebar section 21c. A left handlebar switch 62 is positioned to the right (inward in the left-right direction) of the left grip 61. The left handlebar switch 62 is fixed to the handlebar section 21c. A clutch lever support mechanism 63 is supported to the right of the left handlebar switch 62. The clutch lever support mechanism 63 has a left lever pivot 70 fixed to the handlebar section 21c. The clutch lever 80 and the left rearview mirror 67 are supported by the left lever pivot 70. In other words, the clutch lever 80 and the left rearview mirror 67 are supported by the handlebar section 21c via the left lever pivot 70.

[0022] Here, a harness 121 is connected to the right handlebar switch 52, extending along the handlebar 21 and toward an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown). Also, a pair of throttle cables 122 and 123 are connected to the throttle pipe (not shown) of the right handlebar switch 52. Furthermore, a brake hose 124 is connected to the master cylinder 55.

[0023] Figure 4 shows the main part of the cross-section along line VI-VI in Figure 3. A harness 131, which extends along the handlebar 21 and toward an ECU (not shown), is connected to the left handlebar switch 62. A clutch cable 132, which extends toward a transmission (not shown) of the power unit 12, is connected to the clutch lever 80. When the clutch lever 80 is squeezed, the inner cable of the clutch cable 132 is pulled, disconnecting power transmission to the transmission. Conversely, when the clutch lever 80 is released, the inner cable of the clutch cable 132 returns to its original position, and power transmission to the transmission is reconnected.

[0024] Figure 5 is a view of the area surrounding the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from above. In Figure 5, the lever cover 100 (see Figure 3) is not shown. The clutch lever support mechanism 63 includes a left lever pivot (lever pivot) 70 fixed to the handle 21, a clutch lever 80 supported on the left lever pivot 70 so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis 112, a disconnection detection sensor (sensor, first sensor) 91 that detects when the clutch lever 80 moves to the disconnection position (grip position) P1 (see Figure 10), a connection detection sensor (second sensor) 92 (see Figure 7) that detects when the clutch lever 80 moves to the connection position (non-grip position) P0 (see Figure 10), and a lever cover 100 (see Figure 3) that covers the sensors 91 and 92. In this embodiment, sensors 91 and 92 are identical in shape. In this embodiment, the disconnection detection sensor 91 and the connection detection sensor 92 are sensors of the same type and specifications.

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the left lever pivot 70. The left lever pivot 70 has a substantially cylindrical handle fixing portion 71. The handle fixing portion 71 has a substantially hole-shaped handle insertion portion 71a through which the left handle side portion 21c of the handle 21 is inserted, a split groove 71b extending along the handle side portion 21c, and a fastening hole 71c penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the split groove 71b. On the handle fixing portion 71, a base-shaped mirror fixing portion 72 is formed on the opposite side of the handle insertion portion 71a from the fastening hole 71c. The mirror fixing portion 72 has a fastening hole 72a extending toward the handle insertion portion 71a. The left rearview mirror 67 (see Figure 5) is fastened and fixed to the fastening hole 72a.

[0026] A roughly rectangular lever support portion 73 is formed on the outer circumference of the handle fixing portion 71, extending from the handle fixing portion 71 toward the front end of the front wheel 13.

[0027] In this explanation of the clutch lever support mechanism 63, the direction in which the lever support portion 73 extends from the handle fixing portion 71 (a predetermined radial direction with respect to the central axis L21 of the left handle side portion 21c of the handle 21) is referred to as the support portion extension direction L. In the support portion extension direction L, with respect to the left lever pivot 70, the side closer to the front wheel 13 is referred to as the support portion extension direction one side L1. Also, in the support portion extension direction L, with respect to the left lever pivot 70, the side further away from the front wheel 13 is referred to as the support portion extension direction other side L2.

[0028] Furthermore, in the description of the clutch lever support mechanism 63, the direction in which the central axis L21 of the left handle side portion 21c of the handle 21 extends is referred to as the handle direction H. In the handle direction H, with respect to the left lever pivot 70, the side that moves away from the steering stem 31 is referred to as the handle direction outward (handle direction one side) H1. Also, in the handle direction H, with respect to the left lever pivot 70, the side that moves closer to the steering stem 31 is referred to as the handle direction inward (handle direction other side) H2.

[0029] Furthermore, in the description of the clutch lever support mechanism 63, the direction in which the pivot axis 112 extends will be referred to as the pivot axis direction S. In the pivot axis direction S, with the left lever pivot 70 as the reference, the side that moves away from the front wheel 13 will be referred to as the pivot axis side S1. Also, in the pivot axis direction S, with the left lever pivot 70 as the reference, the side that moves closer to the front wheel 13 will be referred to as the pivot axis side S2.

[0030] The support extension direction L, the handle direction H, and the oscillation axis direction S intersect each other. When the saddle-type vehicle 10 is moving straight in an upright position, the support extension direction L, the handle direction H, and the oscillation axis direction S are directions along the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle 10, respectively.

[0031] A groove-shaped lever housing portion 74 (see Figure 11) is formed in the center of the lever support portion 73 in the thickness direction (center of the pivot axis direction S), recessed from the outer end H1 outward in the handle direction to the inner H2 in the handle direction. The lever housing portion 74 extends in the support portion extension direction L. The lever support portion 73 has a first mounting portion (mounting portion) 73a located on one side S1 in the pivot axis direction from the lever housing portion 74, and a second mounting portion 73b located on the other side S2 in the pivot axis direction from the lever housing portion 74. The first mounting portion 73a has a boss-shaped cover fastening portion 73c that protrudes on one side S1 in the pivot axis direction.

[0032] The lever support portion 73 has a roughly perforated cable outlet portion 74a formed on its inner surface H2 in the handle direction, corresponding to the bottom surface of the lever housing portion 74, and extending in the handle direction H. A cable mounting opening 74b is formed from the cable outlet portion 74a, extending in one direction L1 in the support portion extension direction and forming a split groove.

[0033] The first mounting section 73a and the second mounting section 73b have pivot shaft holes 73a1 and 73b1 (see Figure 11), respectively. The pivot shaft holes 73a1 and 73b1 extend along the same straight line. The pivot shaft 112 (see Figure 11) is inserted into the pivot shaft holes 73a1 and 73b1.

[0034] In the first mounting portion 73a, a first opening 75 is formed on the handle fixing portion 71 side of the pivot shaft hole 73a1. The first opening 75 is an opening cut out circumferentially on the outer circumference side of the pivot shaft hole 73a1, from the outer end H1 in the handle direction toward the inner H2 in the handle direction. In other words, the first opening 75 is a recess in the first mounting portion 73a, recessed from the outer end H1 in the handle direction toward the inner H2 in the handle direction. The first opening 75 connects the lever housing portion 74 to one side S1 in the pivot axis direction.

[0035] A sensor mounting portion 77 is formed on the inside H2 in the handle direction of the first opening 75. The sensor mounting portion 77 has a positioning recess 77a provided in the first mounting portion 73a so as to be recessed on the other side S2 in the swing axis direction, and a boss-shaped sensor fastening portion 77b provided on the handle fixing portion 71 side of the positioning recess 77a and protruding on one side S1 in the swing axis direction.

[0036] A harness support portion 79 is formed on the inner side H2 in the handle direction of the sensor mounting portion 77, protruding in the inner side H2 in the handle direction. A recess 79a is formed in the harness support portion 79, recessed on the other side S2 in the swing axis direction. The side on which the recess 79a is recessed corresponds to the other side S2 in the swing axis direction. The recess 79a is recessed relative to the outer surface of the first mounting portion 73a. In detail, the recess 79a is formed by an enclosed shape consisting of an inner wall portion 79b whose surface on one side S1 in the swing axis direction is flush with the first mounting portion 73a, a bottom portion 79c connected to the other side S2 in the swing axis direction of the inner wall portion 79b, and an outer wall portion 79d provided opposite the inner wall portion 79b and protruding from the bottom portion 79c on one side S1 in the swing axis direction.

[0037] Here, the amount of protrusion A2 of the outer wall portion 79d relative to the bottom portion 79c in the direction of the oscillation axis S (see Figure 11) is smaller than the amount of protrusion A1 of the inner wall portion 79b relative to the bottom portion 79c in the direction of the oscillation axis S (see Figure 11).

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the inner surface of the bottom portion 79c in the oscillation axis direction S overlaps with the position of the cable outlet portion 74a in the oscillation axis direction S. In other words, at least a portion of the cable outlet portion 74a is provided on the other side S2 in the oscillation axis direction from the first mounting portion 73a and the harness support portion 79. That is, when an extension line L79c along the inner surface of the bottom portion 79c is set, the cable outlet portion 74a passes through the extension line L79c along the inner surface of the bottom portion 79c (see Figure 8).

[0039] The second mounting section 73b is provided with a second opening 76 (see Figure 11) and a sensor mounting section 78, corresponding to the first opening 75 and sensor mounting section 77 of the first mounting section 73a. In other words, the second mounting section 73b is formed in the same way as the first mounting section 73a, with the second opening 76 (see Figure 11) and sensor mounting section 78 depending on the orientation and installation position of the sensors 91 and 92.

[0040] Figure 7 is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from one side L1 in the direction of extension of the support portion. Figure 8 is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from the inside H2 in the direction of handle. Figure 9 is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from the other side L2 in the direction of extension of the support portion. Figure 10 is a view of the main part of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 from one side S1 in the direction of the swing axis. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Figure 10. The lever cover 100 is not shown in Figures 7 to 10.

[0041] The clutch lever 80 has a rod-shaped lever body portion 81 extending in the handle direction H, and a plate-shaped lever base portion 82 (see Figure 9) provided on the inner side H2 of the lever body portion 81 in the handle direction. A split groove-shaped cable engagement portion 83 is formed at the inner end of the lever body portion 81 on the inner side H2 in the handle direction. The cable engagement portion 83 allows the inner cable of the clutch cable 132 to be hooked into it by a retaining mechanism.

[0042] The lever base portion 82 (see Figure 9) at the inner end H2 in the handle direction of the lever body portion 81 is formed to be thinner than the lever body portion 81. The lever base portion 82 has a stepped recessed shape relative to the lever body portion 81. A contact surface 81a extending in the support portion extension direction L is formed at the inner end H2 in the handle direction of the lever body portion 81. A pair of contact surfaces 81a are formed in the pivot axis direction S of the lever base portion 82. The lever base portion 82 is housed in the lever housing portion 74 of the left lever pivot 70 (see Figure 11). At this time, the contact surface 81a can contact the outer surface H1 in the handle direction of the lever support portion 73 of the left lever pivot 70.

[0043] A pivot shaft hole 82a (see Figure 11) is formed in the lever base 82, penetrating in the thickness direction. The pivot shaft hole 82a is formed corresponding to the positions of the pivot shaft holes 73a1 and 73b1 of the left lever pivot 70. On the handle 21 side relative to the pivot shaft hole 82a, a columnar first protrusion 85 is formed, projecting in one direction S1 in the pivot axis direction. The first protrusion 85 is formed on the surface of the lever base 82 on one direction S1 in the pivot axis direction. The first protrusion 85 protrudes further in one direction S1 in the pivot axis direction than the lever body 81. The first protrusion 85 is formed in a position that allows it to enter the first opening 75 of the left lever pivot 70.

[0044] In an axial view of the pivot shaft 112, a columnar second protrusion 86 (see Figure 11) is formed on the opposite side of the first protrusion 85, across the pivot shaft hole 82a (pivot shaft 112), projecting in the other direction S2 in the pivot axis direction. The second protrusion 86 is formed on the surface of the lever base 82 on the other side S2 in the pivot axis direction. The second protrusion 86 protrudes further in the other direction S2 in the pivot axis direction than the lever body 81. The second protrusion 86 is formed in a position that allows it to enter the second opening 76 (see Figure 11) of the left lever pivot 70.

[0045] A disconnection detection sensor 91 and a connection detection sensor 92 are attached to the sensor mounting portions 77 and 78 of the left lever pivot 70, respectively, to detect the operating state of the clutch lever 80.

[0046] Sensors 91 and 92 each have a substantially rectangular sensor body 93 having a thickness in the direction of the oscillation axis S, a pair of terminals 94 supported by the sensor body 93, and a rod-shaped switch 95 supported by the sensor body 93 so as to be able to move back and forth. The sensor body 93 has a positioning projection 93a (see Figure 10) that protrudes in the direction along the thickness direction, and a fixing hole (not shown) that penetrates the sensor body 93 in the thickness direction. The switch 95 is configured to be able to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of terminals 94 protrude from the sensor body 93.

[0047] A lever cover 100 is fastened to the cover fastening portion 73c of the left lever pivot 70. The lever cover 100 is shaped to cover the left lever pivot 70 from one side S1 in the direction of the swing axis. The lever cover 100 is open on the other side S2 in the direction of the swing axis. The lever cover 100 has a plate-shaped cover body portion 101 and a cover outer peripheral wall portion 102 appropriately formed on the outer circumference of the cover body portion 101. The cover body portion 101 overlaps the lever support portion 73 of the left lever pivot 70 in an axial view of the swing axis 112 (see Figure 3). An insertion hole 101a (see Figure 3) is formed in the cover body portion 101 that penetrates in the thickness direction.

[0048] At the inner end of the outer peripheral wall portion 102 of the cover on the inner side H2 in the handle direction, a cable outlet portion 102a is formed, which is cut out in a roughly U-shape from the other side S2 in the swing axis direction to the one side S1 in the swing axis direction and protrudes in a semi-cylindrical shape on the inner side H2 in the handle direction (see Figures 3 and 4). The clutch cable 132 is routed out from the cable outlet portion 102a with the cable entering the cable outlet portion 102a. The lever cover 100 covers the sensors 91 and 92 from one side S1 in the swing axis direction, one side L1 in the support portion extension direction, and the inner side H2 in the handle direction.

[0049] Next, an example of the assembly of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 11. The left lever pivot 70 is fixed to the left handle side portion 21c of the handle 21. That is, the handle side portion 21c is inserted into the handle fixing portion 71, and the fastening member 111 is inserted through the tightening hole 71c from the other side L2 in the direction of extension of the support portion. When the fastening member 111 is tightened, the split groove 71b is tightened, and the left lever pivot 70 is fixed to the handle side portion 21c.

[0050] The clutch lever 80 has its lever base 82 housed in the lever housing 74 of the left lever pivot 70. The pivot shaft 112 is then inserted through the pivot shaft holes 73a1 and 73b1 of the left lever pivot 70 and the pivot shaft hole 82a of the clutch lever 80 from one side S1 in the pivot axis direction. In this embodiment, the pivot shaft 112 is bolt-shaped, and a fixing nut 113 (see Figure 11) is fastened to the other end S in the pivot axis direction of the pivot shaft 112.

[0051] As a result, the clutch lever 80 is pivotably supported on the left lever pivot 70. Specifically, the clutch lever 80 is pivotably supported between a connection position P0 (see Figure 10) where the contact surface 81a of the clutch lever 80 contacts the lever support portion 73 of the left lever pivot 70, and a cutting position P1 (see Figure 10) where the first protrusion 85 of the clutch lever 80 enters the first opening 75 of the left lever pivot 70 and abuts against the lever support portion 73. At this time, the first protrusion 85 of the clutch lever 80 protrudes through the first opening 75 toward one side S1 in the pivot axis direction of the lever support portion 73. Also, the second protrusion 86 of the clutch lever 80 protrudes through the second opening 76 toward the other side S2 in the pivot axis direction of the lever support portion 73.

[0052] A cylindrical joint 114 (see Figure 7) is fixed to the cable outlet portion 74a of the left lever pivot 70. The outer cable 132a of the clutch cable 132 is fixed to the joint 114. The inner cable inside the outer cable 132a passes through the joint 114 and engages with the cable engagement portion 83 of the clutch lever 80 via a retaining mechanism.

[0053] The cutting detection sensor 91 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 77 of the left lever pivot 70. Specifically, the cutting detection sensor 91 has a positioning projection 93a (see Figure 10) inserted into the positioning recess 77a of the sensor mounting portion 77, and a fastening member 115 is inserted through a fixing hole (not shown) from one side S1 in the swing axis direction, and the fastening member 115 is fastened to the sensor fastening portion 77b.

[0054] As a result, the cut detection sensor 91 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 77 of the left lever pivot 70. At this time, the switch 95 of the cut detection sensor 91 is located inside the first opening 75. Therefore, the first protrusion 85 of the clutch lever 80 can press the switch 95 of the cut detection sensor 91.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in an axial view of the oscillation axis 112 from one side S1 in the oscillation axis direction (see Figure 10), the cut detection sensor 91 overlaps with the harness support portion 79. Here, in the harness support portion 79, the amount of protrusion A2 of the outer wall portion 79d relative to the bottom portion 79c is smaller than the amount of protrusion A1 of the inner wall portion 79b relative to the bottom portion 79c. At this time, the surface of the cut detection sensor 91 on the other side S2 in the oscillation axis direction extends from the end face S1 on one side S1 in the oscillation axis direction of the inner wall portion 79b. Therefore, a gap G1 is formed between the cut detection sensor 91 and the outer wall portion 79d of the harness support portion 79, according to the difference A0 between the protrusion amounts A1 and A2.

[0056] The connection detection sensor 92 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 78 of the left lever pivot 70. The disconnection detection sensor 92 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 78 by a fastening member 116 from the other side S2 in the swing axis direction. At this time, the switch 95 of the connection detection sensor 92 can be pressed by the second protrusion 86 of the clutch lever 80.

[0057] A harness 133 is connected to the cut detection sensor 91. The harness 133 has a pair of connection parts 133a that are connected to a pair of terminals 94 of the cut detection sensor 91, harnesses 133b extending from each of the connection parts 133a, and an outer tube 133c through which each of the harnesses 133b is inserted. The harness 133 extends from the cut detection sensor 91 in one direction L1 in the direction of extension of the support part, then curves in a U shape in the other direction S2 in the direction of the swing axis, extends in the other direction L2 in the direction of extension of the support part, and is passed through the recess 79a of the harness support part 79. The harness 133 is then introduced to the left handle switch 62 through the other direction S2 in the swing axis of the left lever pivot 70.

[0058] Here, the recess 79a of the harness support portion 79 is covered by the cut detection sensor 91, making it difficult for the harness 133 to detach from the harness support portion 79.

[0059] Furthermore, each harness 133b is formed with a diameter smaller than the gap G1. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of each harness 133b and the outer tube 133c is formed to be large enough to pass through the gap G1. This allows the harness 133 to be passed through the gap G1 and assembled to the harness support part 79 by, for example, crushing and flattening the harness 133. In other words, the harness 133 can be supported by the harness support part 79 with the cut detection sensor 91 attached.

[0060] Furthermore, the harness support portion 79 is located in a position that overlaps with the cable outlet portion 74a in the pivot axis direction S, and at least a portion of the cable outlet portion 74a is on the other side S2 of the pivot axis direction from the harness support portion 79. Therefore, it is easier to route the harness 133 on one side S1 of the pivot axis direction from the clutch cable 132. Thus, it is easier to prevent the harness 133 from coming into contact with the clutch cable 132.

[0061] A harness 134 is connected to the connection detection sensor 92. The harness 134 has a pair of connection parts 134a that are connected to a pair of terminals 94 of the connection detection sensor 92, harnesses 134b extending from each of the connection parts 134a, and an outer tube 134c through which each harness 134b is inserted. The connection part 134a is L-shaped, and each harness 134b extends from the other side S2 in the swing axis direction, which is different from the direction of the terminals 94 of the connection detection sensor 92. When the harness 134 extends to the other side S2 in the swing axis direction, it extends near the handle side part 21c, extends along the harness 133, is clamped together with the harness 133 by a clamp member 135, and is introduced to the left handle switch 62. Harnesses 133 and 134, introduced to the left handlebar switch 62, are routed out from the left handlebar switch 62 as harness 131 and connected to an ECU (not shown).

[0062] Next, the operation of the clutch lever support mechanism 63 in this embodiment will be explained. In the clutch lever support mechanism 63, the clutch lever 80 is pivotable around the pivot axis 112. That is, the clutch lever 80 is pivotable between the connection position P0 (see Figure 10), shown by the solid line, and the disconnection position P1 (see Figure 10), shown by the dashed line.

[0063] Here, when the clutch lever 80 is in the connected position P0, the inner cable of the clutch cable 132 is pulled by a biasing member (not shown), and the contact surface 81a is held in contact with the left lever pivot 70. At this time, the second protrusion 86 is pressing the switch 95 of the connection detection sensor 92, so the connection detection sensor 92 turns ON, and the fact that the connection detection sensor 92 is ON is input to the ECU. Therefore, the ECU can detect that the clutch lever 80 has moved to the connected position P0 and that the transmission is connected. At this time, the first protrusion 85 of the clutch lever 80 is separated from the switch 95 of the disconnection detection sensor 91, and the disconnection detection sensor 91 is OFF.

[0064] When the clutch lever 80 is operated and moves to the disengagement position P1, it rotates around the pivot axis 112, and the cable engagement portion 83 moves away from the left lever pivot 70. As a result, the inner cable of the clutch cable 132 is pulled by the clutch lever 80, and the clutch of the transmission is disengaged. At this time, the first protrusion 85 of the clutch lever 80 moves toward the disengagement detection sensor 91 and presses the switch 95 of the disengagement detection sensor 91. As a result, the disengagement detection sensor 91 turns ON, and the ECU receives input that the disengagement detection sensor 91 is ON. As a result, the ECU can detect that the clutch lever 80 has moved to the disengagement position P1 and that the transmission is disengaged. At this time, the second protrusion 86 of the clutch lever 80 is separated from the switch 95 of the position detection sensor 92, and the position detection sensor 92 is OFF.

[0065] In this embodiment, the ECU can accurately detect whether the clutch lever 80 is in the disengaged position P1 or the engaged position P0.

[0066] In this embodiment, the ECU performs idle stop processing based on the inputs from sensors 91 and 92. For example, the ECU stops the power unit 12 as an engine when the gear position of the transmission is in neutral. Also, for example, when the gear position of the transmission is in gear, the ECU stops the power unit 12 when it detects that the clutch lever 80 has moved to the disengaged position P1. In this way, this embodiment can be equipped with an appropriate idle stop function according to the driving situation.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in a saddle-type vehicle 10 comprising a handle 21 to be grasped by the occupant, a left lever pivot 70 supported by the handle 21, a clutch lever 80 that is pivotably supported by the left lever pivot 70 to disconnect and connect power transmission, a disconnection detection sensor 91 provided on the left lever pivot 70 to detect the state of the clutch lever 80, and a harness 133 with one end connected to the disconnection detection sensor 91, the left lever pivot 70 is provided with a harness support portion 79 that supports the harness 133, and the disconnection detection sensor 91 is attached to the left lever pivot 70 facing the harness support portion 79. In this configuration, the harness 133 is sandwiched between the harness support portion 79 and the cut detection sensor 91 facing the harness support portion 79. Therefore, the movement of the harness 133 can be restricted without providing a dedicated part to restrict the movement of the harness 133. Thus, a saddle-type vehicle 10 can be provided that easily restricts the movement of the harness 133 while keeping the number of parts down. In addition, since a dedicated part to restrict the movement of the harness 133 is not required, this configuration can be realized at a low cost.

[0068] In this embodiment, the left lever pivot 70 has a first mounting portion 73a on which a cutting detection sensor 91 is mounted, and the harness support portion 79 is provided with a recess 79a that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the first mounting portion 73a, and the cutting detection sensor 91 overlaps with the recess 79a in an axial view of the pivot axis 112 of the clutch lever 80. With this configuration, the cutting detection sensor 91 and the recess 79a overlap in the axial view of the pivot axis 112, so the axial movement of the harness 133 along the pivot axis 112 can be restricted.

[0069] In this embodiment, the left lever pivot 70 has a first mounting portion 73a on which a cutting detection sensor 91 is mounted, and the harness support portion 79 is provided with a recess 79a that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the first mounting portion 73a. The recess 79a is formed by an inner wall portion 79b connected to the first mounting portion 73a, a bottom portion 79c connected to the inner wall portion 79b, and an outer wall portion 79d provided opposite the inner wall portion 79b and protruding from the bottom portion 79c. With this configuration, the movement of the harness 133 can be restricted by the inner wall portion 79b connected to the first mounting portion 73a and the outer wall portion 79d facing the inner wall portion 79b.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount A2 of the outer wall portion 79d protruding from the bottom portion 79c is smaller than the amount A1 of the inner wall portion 79b protruding from the bottom portion 79c. With this configuration, there is a difference A0 between the protrusion amount A2 of the outer wall portion 79d and the protrusion amount A1 of the inner wall portion 79b, so a gap G1 is created between the cut detection sensor 91, which is mounted on the first mounting portion 73a to which the inner wall portion 79b is connected, and the outer wall portion 79d. Therefore, even after the cut detection sensor 91 has been installed, the harness 133 can be easily routed through the gap G1 into the recess 79a.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left lever pivot 70 is equipped with a cable outlet portion 74a for routing the clutch cable 132, and at least a portion of the cable outlet portion 74a has a recess 79a that is located on the other side S2 in the swing axis direction, relative to the first mounting portion 73a and the harness support portion 79. With this configuration, the clutch cable 132 is easier to guide in the direction S2 on the other side of the swing axis than the first mounting portion 73a and the harness support portion 79. Therefore, the harness 133 routed along the first mounting portion 73a and the harness support portion 79 is easier to separate from the clutch cable 132, contact between the harness 133 and the clutch cable 132 is easier to suppress, and interference between them is easier to control.

[0072] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which two sensors are provided: a disconnection detection sensor 91 and a connection detection sensor 92. However, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which, for example, the connection detection sensor 92 is omitted. In other words, there may be just one sensor.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a saddle-type vehicle 10 having an engine as an internal combustion engine was exemplified, but it is not limited to this. For example, the saddle-type vehicle 10 may be a vehicle without an engine, i.e., an electric vehicle. Therefore, in the above embodiment, an engine was exemplified as the power unit 12 that drives the vehicle body, but the power unit 12 may be a power unit equipped with an electric motor for driving. Therefore, the fuel tank 29 may not be necessary.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15 was used as an example to describe the saddle-type vehicle 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-type vehicles having two front or rear wheels, or saddle-type vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0076] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0077] (Configuration 1) A saddle-type vehicle comprising a handle for the rider to grasp, a lever pivot supported by the handle, a clutch lever pivotably supported by the lever pivot for disconnecting and connecting power transmission, a sensor provided on the lever pivot for detecting the state of the clutch lever, and a harness with one end connected to the sensor, wherein the lever pivot includes a harness support portion for supporting the harness, and the sensor is attached to the lever pivot facing the harness support portion. In this configuration, the harness is sandwiched between the harness support and the sensor facing the harness support. Therefore, the movement of the harness can be restricted without the need for a dedicated part to restrict its movement. Thus, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle that makes it easy to restrict the movement of the harness while keeping the number of parts down.

[0078] (Configuration 2) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the lever pivot has a mounting portion on which the sensor is mounted, the harness support portion is provided with a recess that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the mounting portion, and the sensor overlaps with the recess in an axial view of the pivot axis of the clutch lever. With this configuration, the sensor and the recess overlap in the axial view of the pivot axis, so the axial movement of the harness's pivot axis can be restricted.

[0079] (Configuration 3) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the lever pivot has a mounting portion on which the sensor is mounted, the harness support portion is provided with a recess that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the mounting portion, and the recess is formed by an inner wall portion connected to the mounting portion, a bottom portion connected to the inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion provided opposite to the inner wall portion and protruding from the bottom portion. With this configuration, the movement of the harness can be restricted by the inner wall connected to the mounting section and the outer wall facing the inner wall.

[0080] (Configuration 4) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the amount of the outer wall portion protruding from the bottom portion is smaller than the amount of the inner wall portion protruding from the bottom portion. In this configuration, because there is a difference in the amount of protrusion between the outer wall and the inner wall, a gap is created between the sensor, which is mounted on the mounting part to which the inner wall is connected, and the outer wall. Therefore, even after the sensor has been installed, it is easy to route the harness into the recess through the gap.

[0081] (Configuration 5) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 2 to 4, wherein the lever pivot is provided with a cable outlet for a clutch cable, and at least a portion of the cable outlet is provided on the side where the recess is recessed more than the mounting portion and the harness support portion described above. This configuration makes it easier to guide the clutch cable towards the side where the recess is more recessed than the mounting section and harness support section. Therefore, it is easier to keep the harness routed along the mounting section and harness support section away from the clutch cable, making it easier to reduce contact between the harness and the clutch cable and to suppress interference between them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10. Saddle-type vehicles 21 Handle 70 Left lever pivot (lever pivot) 73a First mounting section (mounting section) 74a Cable outlet 79 Harness support section 79a Recess 79b Inner wall 79c bottom 79d Exterior wall 80 Clutch lever 91 Sensors 112 Pivot axis 132 Clutch Cable 133 Harness A1 Overhang amount A2 Overhang amount G1 Gap S2 The other side of the oscillation axis (the concave side)

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle comprising a handle (21) to be grasped by the occupant, a lever pivot (70) supported by the handle (21), a clutch lever (80) that is pivotably supported by the lever pivot (70) and disconnects and connects power transmission, a sensor (91) provided on the lever pivot (70) for detecting the state of the clutch lever (80), and a harness (133) with one end connected to the sensor (91), The lever pivot (70) includes a harness support portion (79) that supports the harness (133), The sensor (91) is attached to the lever pivot (70) facing the harness support portion (79). A saddle-type vehicle characterized by its design.

2. The lever pivot (70) has a mounting portion (73a) on which the sensor (91) is mounted. The harness support portion (79) is provided with a recess (79a) that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the mounting portion (73a) described above. The sensor (91) overlaps with the recess (79a) in an axial view of the pivot axis (112) of the clutch lever (80). The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 1.

3. The lever pivot (70) has a mounting portion (73a) on which the sensor (91) is mounted. The harness support portion (79) is provided with a recess (79a) that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the mounting portion (73a) described above. The recess (79a) is formed by an inner wall portion (79b) connected to the previously described mounting portion (73a), a bottom portion (79c) connected to the inner wall portion (79b), and an outer wall portion (79d) provided opposite the inner wall portion (79b) and protruding from the bottom portion (79c). The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 1.

4. The amount of protrusion (A2) of the outer wall portion (79d) relative to the bottom portion (79c) is smaller than the amount of protrusion (A1) of the inner wall portion (79b) relative to the bottom portion (79c). The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 3.

5. The lever pivot (70) is provided with a cable outlet (74a) for which the clutch cable (132) is routed. At least a portion of the cable outlet portion (74a) is provided on the side (S2) where the recess (79a) is more recessed than the mounting portion (73a) and the harness support portion (79). The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 2.

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