Sensor fixing structure

Abstract

To facilitate mounting of multiple sensors.SOLUTION: A throttle grip device applied with a sensor fixing structure disclosed herein comprises a sensor holder 22, multiple sensors 30 placed in the sensor holder 22 from different directions from each other to detect displacement of a throttle pipe 12, and a restraining member 27 configured to collectively fix the multiple sensors 30 to the sensor holder 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a sensor fixing structure that fixes a sensor for detecting the displacement of a displacement member. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a sensor fixing structure in which a sensor that detects the displacement of a displacement member is arranged on a support. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a packaged sensor is installed on an installation part of a support and a clip member is attached, a pressing part provided on the clip member presses a protrusion provided on the sensor, and the sensor is positioned and fixed to the support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-138300 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when there are multiple sensors to be fixed, the installation work becomes complicated. For example, if two sensors are fixed using the method of Patent Document 1, a clip member is required for each sensor, and the sensors must be fixed one by one with the clip member, which reduces workability. In particular, when the arrangement positions and orientations of the two sensors are different from each other, the installation work becomes even more difficult.

[0005] The present technology aims to facilitate the installation of multiple sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the sensor fixing structure of the present technology includes a support body, a plurality of sensors arranged in different directions with respect to the support body to detect the displacement of a displacement member, and a restraining member that collectively fixes the plurality of sensors to the support body. The sensor includes a main body and an engaged part, and when the sensor is fixed to the support by the restraining member, the main body and at least a part of the support are brought into contact with each other by a restraining force from the restraining member. do. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present technology, the installation work of multiple sensors can be facilitated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a throttle grip device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the main parts of the sensor unit as viewed from the +Z side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is an enlarged view showing an engaged state of one pair of an engaging portion and an engaged portion. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit having a temporary mounting structure of a first modified example, viewed from the +Y side. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit having a temporary mounting structure of a second modified example, viewed from the +Y side. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sensor holder having a temporary mounting structure of a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view of a throttle grip device according to an embodiment of the present technology. A sensor fixing structure according to the present technology is applied to this throttle grip device. As an example, this throttle grip device is attached to a portion extending to the right of a handlebar 11 of a motorcycle. A motorcycle is shown as an example of a vehicle body 18 to which this throttle grip device is applied, but the present technology is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various vehicle bodies such as three-wheeled or four-wheeled buggies equipped with bar-type handlebars, as well as snowmobiles.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the direction of the handlebar 11 is such that the tip side of the handlebar 11 is the +Y side, and the vehicle center side is the -Y side. The throttle grip device includes a grip portion 14 and a grip end 13. The grip portion 14 is disposed in an area including the tip of the handlebar 11. The grip portion 14 is made of a rubber material or the like, and the grip end 13 is made of a metal or the like. The handle switch case 15 is disposed adjacent to the vehicle center side of the handlebar 11 (the side opposite to the tip side; the -Y side) relative to the grip portion 14. The throttle grip device includes an accelerator position sensor unit 20 including an accelerator position sensor main body (not shown) and a coupler (see also FIG. 2). This sensor unit 20 includes a connection terminal portion 21.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the handlebar 11 is cylindrical and has a hole 11h formed therein. The hole 11h opens into the handlebar switch case 15. A vehicle body side coupler 16, which is an electrical connection part on the vehicle body side, is attached to the tip of a harness 17 extending from a vehicle body 18. With the connection terminal part 21 of the sensor unit 20 positioned in the hole 11h and with the handlebar switch case 15 removed, an operator can connect the vehicle body side coupler 16 to the connection terminal part 21 of the sensor unit 20 through the hole 11h. By connecting the connection terminal part 21 to the vehicle body side coupler 16, the accelerator position sensor main body and the vehicle body 18 are electrically connected.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of sensor unit 20. Sensor unit 20 has sensor holder 22, and connection terminal portion 21 is provided on sensor holder 22. As described below, sensor 30 (see Fig. 3) and restraining member 27 are attached to sensor unit 20. Hereinafter, the directions of each part will be referred to based on the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Fig. 2 and the like.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a diagram of a main part of the sensor unit 20 as viewed from the +Z side. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 3, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis C1 of the handlebar 11.

[0015] 4, the throttle pipe 12 is attached to the handlebar 11 in a state in which it can rotate around a central axis C1 along the outer circumferential surface of the handlebar 11. The throttle pipe 12 is substantially cylindrical, and rotates around the central axis C1 of the handlebar 11 in response to the rotation operation of the grip portion 14 (throttle operation) by the rider.

[0016] The shaft 10 extends along a central axis C1. The magnet 19 is cylindrical and fixed to the shaft 10. The shaft 10 and the throttle pipe 12 are arranged coaxially with the handlebar 11. The throttle pipe 12, the shaft 10 and the magnet 19 are examples of a displacement member (also a rotating member) that rotates due to a throttle operation. The sensor holder 22 is in a fixed relationship with the handlebar 11 and does not rotate in conjunction with the throttle pipe 12.

[0017] Two sensors 30 are arranged on a sensor holder 22 serving as a support body. The sensors 30 are electrically connected to the connection terminal portion 21. The sensors 30 are arranged from different directions relative to the sensor holder 22. In other words, the two sensors 30 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis C1 (center of rotation) of the handlebar 11. In this embodiment, the two sensors 30 are arranged on the +Z side and the -Z side. The sensors 30 are, as an example, magnetic sensors constituted by a sensor IC or the like.

[0018] The magnet 19 has a plurality of magnetic poles magnetized in the circumferential direction, i.e., along the direction of rotation around the central axis C1 of the handlebar 11. The sensor 30 has a Hall element and detects the direction and strength of the magnetic lines of force passing through it. In this way, the sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the throttle pipe 12 and outputs a value based on the detection result. A detection signal, which is the detection result of the sensor 30, is supplied to a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle body 18 via a vehicle-side coupler 16 connected to a connection terminal portion 21 of the sensor unit 20. In this way, the rotation position of the throttle pipe 12 is grasped by the control unit, and the throttle opening degree is detected. The throttle opening degree is used for throttle control, etc.

[0019] The restraining member 27 is a member that fixes a plurality of (two) sensors 30 collectively to the sensor holder 22. One example of the restraining member 27 is a heat shrink tube that is an annular member that shrinks due to heat. In FIG. 2, the restraining member 27 before attachment (before shrinkage) is shown by a solid line, and the restraining member 27 after attachment (after shrinkage) is shown by a virtual line. FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show the restraining member 27 in an unattached state and an attached state. The worker places the two sensors 30 in appropriate positions on the sensor holder 22 and then covers them with the restraining member 27. Thereafter, the restraining member 27 is heated by hot air or the like, causing the restraining member 27 to shrink. As a result, the two sensors 30 are collectively fixed to the sensor holder 22 without using adhesive or the like.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 3. Figure 5 also shows, in imaginary lines, the restraining member 27 before contraction. Since the configuration and arrangement of the two sensors 30 are common, the configuration and fixing structure of the sensor 30 on the +Z side will be mainly described as a representative.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor 30 includes main body portions 31A and 31B and a plurality of engaged portions 32. The engaged portions 32 are protrusions that protrude in the +X direction and the -X direction. The sensor holder 22 is formed with notched engaging portions 25 corresponding to the four engaged portions 32. The main body portion 31A also includes a restraining surface 33 and an abutting surface 34 (see Fig. 5).

[0022] Outer surface 23 at the end on the +Y side of sensor holder 22 includes opposing surface 23a (see FIGS. 2 and 5). Sensor holder 22 includes a mounting surface 24 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Mounting surface 24 is closer to central axis C1 than opposing surface 23a.

[0023] 6 is an enlarged view showing an engaged state of one set of engaging portion 25 and engaged portion 32. The relationship between engaging portion 25 and engaged portion 32 of each set is the same. Engaging portion 25 has protrusion 26 protruding in the +Y direction. Sensor 30 is temporarily attached to sensor holder 22 by engaging engaging portion 25 with engaged portion 32. In other words, when engaging portion 25 and engaged portion 32 are in an engaged state, engaged portion 32 is fitted between end surface 25a on the +Y side of engaging portion 25 and protrusion 26, and engaged portion 32 is positioned in the Y direction.

[0024] In addition, the position of the -X side tip of engaged portion 32 is restricted by -X side end face 25b of engaging portion 25. On the other hand, on the +X side, the position of the +X side tip of engaged portion 32 is also restricted by the +X side end face of engaging portion 25. This determines the position of engaged portion 32 in the X direction.

[0025] On the other hand, the engaged portion 32 is displaceable in the Z direction relative to the engaging portion 25. However, the position of the main body portion 31A in the -Z direction is restricted by the abutment surface 34 of the main body portion 31A of the sensor 30 abutting against the installation surface 24 of the sensor holder 22. Therefore, when the sensor 30 is temporarily attached, the engaging portion 25 allows the displacement of the sensor 30 in the Z direction to the extent that the main body portion 31A does not abut against the installation surface 24, and restricts the displacement of the sensor 30 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0026] To assemble the +Z side sensor 30, the worker places the sensor 30 on the installation surface 24 from the +Z side so that the engaged portion 32 fits into the engaging portion 25. When the engaged portion 32 engages with the engaging portion 25 and is sandwiched between the end face 25a and the protrusion 26, the sensor 30 is in a temporarily attached state in which it will not easily fall off the sensor holder 22. Note that the assembly direction of the -Z side sensor 30 is opposite to that of the +Z side sensor 30, but the basic assembly procedures are the same.

[0027] After the two sensors 30 are temporarily attached in this manner, the worker covers the end of the sensor holder 22 on the +Y side with the restraining member 27 from the +Y side so as to cover the two sensors 30. After that, the restraining member 27 is heated by hot air or the like, and the restraining member 27 shrinks. As a result, the two sensors 30 are collectively attached to the sensor holder 22, that is, fixed. First, the contracted restraining member 27 contacts the restraining surface 33 of the main body part 31A, thereby pressing the main body part 31A in the -Z direction. Therefore, when the sensor 30 is fixed to the sensor holder 22, the abutting surface 34 of the main body part 31A is in close contact with the installation surface 24 by the restraining force from the restraining member 27. As a result, the position of the sensor 30 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis C1 is determined with high accuracy. The same action occurs in the main body part 31B as in the main body part 31A. The contact direction (abutment direction) of the sensor 30 on the +Z side is the -Z direction, and the contact direction of the sensor 30 on the -Z side is the +Z direction.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the multiple sensors 30 for detecting the displacement of the throttle pipe 12, which are arranged in different directions from each other with respect to the sensor holder 22, are collectively fixed to the sensor holder 22 by the restraining member 27. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the sensors 30 with a thermosetting resin or the like as in the conventional case. This makes it possible to easily install the multiple sensors 30.

[0029] Furthermore, in a state where the sensor 30 is fixed to the sensor holder 22 by the restraining member 27, the restraining force from the restraining member 27 brings the main body parts 31A, 31B into close contact with the sensor holder 22 (mounting surface 24). This makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy and location accuracy of the sensor 30 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis C1. If there is a gap between the sensor after fixing and the support body (sensor holder 22) that supports the sensor, as in the conventional case, the positioning accuracy decreases. However, in this embodiment, the sensor 30 and the sensor holder 22 are in close contact with each other, so high positioning accuracy is maintained.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the contracted restraining member 27 contacts the restraining surface 33 of the main body 31A, but also contacts the opposing surface 23a of the sensor holder 22. However, in the Z direction, the position (opposing surface 23a) of the sensor holder 22 that contacts the restraining member 27 is closer to the installation surface 24 (the abutting position between the main body 31A and the sensor holder 22) by a distance H1 than the position (restraining surface 33) of the main body 31A that contacts the restraining member 27. In other words, the opposing surface 23a is lower than the restraining surface 33 by a distance H1. This ensures that the necessary pressing force in the -Z direction against the main body 31A is secured. Therefore, the abutting surface 34 of the main body 31A and the installation surface 24 of the sensor holder 22 can be appropriately abutted against each other, so that the sensor 30 can be stably fixed to the sensor holder 22 while being reliably positioned.

[0031] From the viewpoint of being able to position the sensor 30, the main body portions 31A and 31B may be configured to come into contact with at least a part of the sensor holder 22 by the restraining force from the restraining member 27.

[0032] Furthermore, the sensor 30 is temporarily attached to the sensor holder 22 by the engagement between the engaging portion 25 of the sensor holder 22 and the engaged portion 32 of the sensor 30, which facilitates the installation of multiple sensors 30. In a configuration in which multiple sensors are arranged in different positions, if no special measures are taken, some of the sensors may easily fall off before being fixed. However, in this embodiment, the engaged portion 32 is fitted and held between the end face 25a and the protrusion 26, making it difficult for the sensor 30 to fall off before being fixed, and thus facilitating the installation.

[0033] Furthermore, when the sensor 30 is temporarily attached to the sensor holder 22, the engagement portion 25 allows the sensor 30 to be displaced in a direction parallel to the contact direction (Z direction) and restricts the sensor 30 from being displaced in a direction perpendicular to the contact direction (X and Y directions). This makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy while maintaining ease of attachment.

[0034] Next, a modified example of the configuration for temporarily mounting the sensor 30 to the sensor holder 22 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 20 having a temporary mounting structure of the first modified example, viewed from the +Y side. The sensor holder 22 has an engaging portion 28 instead of the engaging portion 25. The engaging portion 28 has a tapered surface 28a on the +Z side. The engaging portions 28 face each other in the X direction. The distance between the tips of the engaged portions 32 in the X direction is slightly longer than the distance between the tips of the engaging portions 28 in the X direction. Note that the engaging portions 28 and the engaged portions 32 only need to be provided so that their positions in the Y direction correspond to each other, and the arrangement positions and number in the Y direction are not important. The engaged portions 32 on the +X side and the engaged portions 32 on the -X side may be in the same position in the Y direction or may be in different positions.

[0036] When temporarily mounting the sensor 30 to the sensor holder 22, the worker pushes the sensor 30 from the +Z side toward the installation surface 24. Then, at least one of the engaging portion 28 and the engaged portion 32 temporarily deforms elastically, causing the engaged portion 32 to climb over the tapered surface 28a of the engaging portion 28 and slip into the -Z side of the engaging portion 28. This brings the sensor 30 into a temporarily mounted state with respect to the sensor holder 22, as shown in FIG.

[0037] In addition, in the Z direction, the distance between the +Z side surface of the engaged portion 32 and the abutment surface 34 of the main body portion 31A of the sensor 30 is shorter than the distance between the engaging portion 28 and the installation surface 24. Therefore, in the temporarily attached state, the sensor 30 is displaceable in the Z direction relative to the sensor holder 22, so that the positioning accuracy can be improved while maintaining ease of attachment.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 20 having a temporary mounting structure of the second modified example, viewed from the +Y side. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a sensor holder 22 having a temporary mounting structure of the second modified example.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the sensor holder 22 has an engaging portion 29 instead of the engaging portion 25. The two engaging portions 29 protrude in the X direction and face each other. A pair of grooves 29a recessed in the Z direction are formed by the engaging portions 29 and the installation surface 24. The pair of grooves 29a extend in the Y direction. The distance between the tips of the engaged portions 32 in the X direction is longer than the distance between the tips of the engaging portions 29 in the X direction. The engaged portions 32 on the +X side and the engaged portions 32 on the -X side may be positioned the same or differently in the Y direction. The positions and number of the engaged portions 32 in the Y direction are not important.

[0040] When temporarily mounting the sensor 30 to the sensor holder 22, the worker inserts the sensor 30 by sliding it on the installation surface 24 from the +Y side. At that time, the worker inserts the sensor 30 so that the engaged portion 32 engages with the groove portion 29a. The sensor holder 22 is provided with a regulating surface (not shown) that abuts against the sensor 30 to regulate the position of the sensor 30 in the -Y direction. Therefore, when the sensor 30 abuts against the regulating surface and is positioned in the -Y direction, the sensor 30 is temporarily mounted to the sensor holder 22 as shown in FIG.

[0041] In addition, in the Z direction, the distance between the +Z side surface of the engaged portion 32 and the abutment surface 34 of the main body portion 31A of the sensor 30 is shorter than the distance between the engaging portion 29 and the installation surface 24. Therefore, in the temporarily attached state, the sensor 30 is displaceable in the Z direction relative to the sensor holder 22, so that the positioning accuracy can be improved while maintaining ease of attachment.

[0042] The present technology has been described above in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, but the present technology is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not deviate from the gist of the present technology are also included in the present technology.

[0043] For example, in the present embodiment and the modified examples, the number of sensors fixed together may be three or more. In addition, when three or more sensors are provided, the sensors may be disposed at different positions from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis C1.

[0044] The displacement member whose displacement is detected by the sensor 30 may be one that is displaced relative to the sensor 30. Therefore, either the sensor 30 or the displacement member, or both, may be configured to actually displace. Also, the relative displacement mode of the displacement member is not limited to rotational displacement.

[0045] The restraining member 27 is not limited to a heat shrink tube. The restraining member 27 is preferably non-magnetic, insulating, and elastic, and further desirably covers the entire circumference of the sensor 30 and the sensor holder 22. Other examples of the restraining member 27 that can be used include a rubber tube, a cable tie (tie wrap), and an insulating tape (vinyl tape). Also, from the viewpoint of facilitating the installation work of the multiple sensors 30, the restraining member 27 is only required to fix the multiple sensors 30 collectively to the support body (sensor holder 22), and the shape of the restraining member 27 is not limited to an annular member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 12 throttle pipe, 22 sensor holder, 25 engagement portion, 27 restraint member, 30 sensor, 31A, 31B main body portion, 32 engaged portion

Claims

1. A support; A plurality of sensors are arranged in different directions relative to the support body to detect the displacement of the displacement member; a restraining member for collectively fixing the plurality of sensors to the support body, The sensor includes a main body portion and an engaged portion, A sensor fixing structure, in which, when the sensor is fixed to the support by the restraining member, the main body and at least a portion of the support abut against each other due to a restraining force from the restraining member.

2. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 , wherein in a contact direction of the main body portion against the support, a position of the support that contacts the restraining member is closer to a contact position between the main body portion and the support than a position of the main body portion that contacts the restraining member.

3. The support includes an engagement portion, The sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is temporarily attached to the support body by the engaging portion engaging with the engaged portion.

4. The sensor fixing structure described in claim 3, wherein when the sensor is temporarily attached to the support body, the engagement portion allows displacement of the sensor in a direction in which the main body portion abuts against the support body, while restricting displacement of the sensor in a direction perpendicular to the abutment direction.

5. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 3 , wherein, in a state in which the sensor is temporarily attached to the support body, the sensor is displaceable relative to the support body in a direction in which the main body portion abuts against the support body.

6. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement member is a rotating member, and the sensor detects a rotational displacement of the displacement member.

7. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 6 , wherein the sensors are arranged at different positions from each other in a circumferential direction centered on a rotation center of the rotating member.

8. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 6 , wherein the restraining member is an annular member disposed about a rotation center of the rotating member.

9. The displacement member is rotated by a throttle operation of a handle of the motorcycle, 7. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 6, wherein the sensor detects a throttle opening.

10. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 , wherein the restraining member is a heat shrink tube.

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