Throttle grip device

Abstract

To provide a throttle grip device which can reproduce transmission loss at the time of rotation operation of a throttle grip while detecting rotation operation by a sensor, reduces a sense of incongruity at the time of operation, and can improve operability.SOLUTION: A throttle grip device can control an engine of a vehicle according to a rotation angle of a throttle grip G detected by a magnetic sensor 9 when the throttle grip G is rotatably operated in a predetermined direction a from an initial position, wherein an elasticity imparting member D having elasticity is interposed between an engagement part Ga and an interlock member 2, when the throttle grip G is rotated in the predetermined direction a from the initial position, the rotation operation of the throttle grip G is transmitted to the interlock member 2 through the elasticity imparting member D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a throttle grip device in which a drive source of a vehicle is controlled based on a rotational operation of a throttle grip.

Background Art

[0002] In recent motorcycles, throttle grip devices configured to detect the rotational angle of a throttle grip with a throttle opening sensor such as a potentiometer and send the detected value as an electrical signal to an electronic control device or the like mounted on the motorcycle have become widespread. In a motorcycle, based on such a detection signal, an electronic control device performs a predetermined calculation, and based on the calculation result, a drive source of the motorcycle (for example, ignition timing of an engine, opening and closing of an intake valve or a throttle valve) is controlled.

[0003] As a conventional throttle grip device, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Such a conventional throttle grip device connects the throttle grip and an interlocking member by engaging an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip with an engaged portion formed on the interlocking member, and detects the rotational angle of the throttle grip by detecting the rotational angle of the interlocking member with a sensor, thereby performing engine control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional technology described above, the rotation of the throttle grip is detected by a sensor, which results in a response that is significantly higher than the driver expects, causing an unnatural feeling in operation. In particular, in general-purpose vehicles where the rotation of the throttle grip is transmitted to the engine via a wire for control, there is a transmission loss due to the elasticity of the wire during operation. In contrast, when the rotation of the throttle grip is detected by a sensor and the engine is controlled, there is almost no transmission loss, which could actually worsen the operability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a throttle grip device that can reproduce the transmission loss during rotational operation of the throttle grip while detecting rotational operation by a sensor, thereby reducing discomfort during operation and improving operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a throttle grip device comprising: a throttle grip that can be rotated by a driver; an interlocking member having an engaged portion that can engage with an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip and which can rotate in conjunction with the throttle grip; a case that rotatably holds the interlocking member; and a rotation angle detection means that can detect the rotation angle of the throttle grip by detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member, wherein when the throttle grip is rotated from an initial position in a predetermined direction, the drive source of the vehicle can be controlled according to the rotation angle of the throttle grip detected by the rotation angle detection means, wherein an elasticity-providing member having elasticity is interposed between the engaging portion and the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates from an initial position in a predetermined direction, the rotation operation of the throttle grip is transmitted to the interlocking member via the elasticity-providing member.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 1, the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the engaged portion of the interlocking member.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, comprising a separate member attached to the interlocking member and rotatable integrally with the interlocking member, wherein the separate member has a contact portion that can contact the engaging portion, and when the throttle grip rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the engaging portion presses against the contact portion to generate elasticity in the elasticity-providing member.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 3, the contact portion consists of a portion integrally formed with the separate member.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is made of a rubber material, an elastomer, or a resin material, and is press-fitted into the engaged portion of the interlocking member and fixed therein.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is a throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is made of a rubber material, an elastomer, or a resin material, and is engaged with and fixed to an engaging portion formed on the interlocking member.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 2, a separate member is attached to the interlocking member and is rotatable integrally with the interlocking member, and the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the separate member.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 1, the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the engagement portion of the throttle grip.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that, in the throttle grip device described in claim 1, it comprises means for applying a resistive force that generates sliding resistance when the interlocking member rotates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the invention of claim 1, an elasticity-imparting member is interposed between the engaging portion and the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the rotational operation of the throttle grip is transmitted to the interlocking member via the elasticity-imparting member. This makes it possible to reproduce the transmission loss during the rotational operation of the throttle grip while allowing the sensor to detect the rotational operation, thereby reducing discomfort during operation and improving operability.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 2, since the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the engaged portion of the interlocking member, the elasticity-imparting member can be attached by utilizing the relatively large space in the interlocking member.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 3, the device comprises a separate member attached to the interlocking member and rotatable integrally with the interlocking member, the separate member having a contact portion that can contact the engaging portion, and when the throttle grip rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the engaging portion presses against the contact portion, generating elasticity in the elasticity-providing member. Therefore, when generating elasticity in the elasticity-providing member, the engaging portion contacts and presses against the contact portion, which prevents the engaging portion from directly contacting the elasticity-providing member and causing damage or deterioration.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 4, since the contact portion consists of a part integrally formed with a separate member, the cooperation between the interlocking member and the separate member makes it possible to generate elasticity in the elasticity-imparting member while causing the engaging portion to contact the contact portion.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 5, the elasticity-imparting member is made of rubber, elastomer, or resin material and is press-fitted into the engaged portion of the interlocking member and fixed in place. Therefore, the elasticity-imparting member can be reliably fixed by utilizing the elasticity of the rubber, elastomer, or resin material.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 6, since the elastic member is made of a rubber material, an elastomer or a resin material and is engaged and fixed to the engaging portion formed on the interlocking member, it is possible to easily attach and detach the elastic member, and it is possible to satisfactorily replace the elastic member.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 7, since it includes a separate member attached to the interlocking member and rotatable integrally with the interlocking member, and the elastic member is attached to the separate member, the elastic force by the elastic member can be generated by the cooperation of the interlocking member and the separate member.

[0023] According to the invention of claim 8, since the elastic member is attached to the engaging portion of the throttle grip, the throttle grip and the elastic member can be handled as an integral part.

[0024] According to the invention of claim 9, since it includes a resistance applying means for generating a sliding resistance when the interlocking member rotates, when the throttle grip is rotated, the elastic force of the elastic member can be applied together with the sliding resistance of the resistance applying means, and a delicate adjustment of the operability can be made possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] Overall perspective view showing a throttle grip device according to a first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Front view and plan view showing the throttle grip device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view showing the main components of the throttle grip device [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the throttle grip of the throttle grip device [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the main unit of the throttle grip device [Figure 8]Two-view drawing showing the main unit of the throttle grip device. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of line IX-IX in Figure 8 [Figure 10] A perspective view showing the interlocking member in the throttle grip device before the elastic member is assembled. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the interlocking member and separate member after the elastic member has been assembled in the throttle grip device. [Figure 12] Three-view drawing showing the interlocking member of the throttle grip device. [Figure 13] Three-view drawing showing a separate component of the throttle grip device. [Figure 14] Two-view drawing showing the elastic member of the throttle grip device. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing the state in which the first part of the separate component of the throttle grip device and the elastic member are combined. [Figure 16] Front view showing the main unit of the throttle grip device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A perspective view showing the interlocking member in the throttle grip device before the elastic member is attached. [Figure 18] A perspective view (a) showing the interlocking member before the elastic member is attached in a throttle grip device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and a three-view drawing (b) of the elastic member. [Figure 19] Front view showing the throttle grip of a throttle grip device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Three-view drawing showing the interlocking member and elasticity-providing member of the throttle grip device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Three-view drawing showing a separate component to which the elasticity-providing member of the throttle grip device is attached. [Figure 22] Exploded perspective view showing the interlocking member, elasticity-providing member, and separate member of the throttle grip device. [Figure 23] A graph showing the relationship between the operating rotation angle and torque in a throttle grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention and in other conventional throttle grip devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. The throttle grip device according to the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, detects the rotation angle of a throttle grip G attached to the handlebar H of a motorcycle (vehicle), and transmits the detection signal to an electronic control unit such as an ECU mounted on the motorcycle to control the drive source (e.g., engine). As shown in Figures 3 to 9, it is configured to include a throttle grip G, a case 1, an interlocking member 2, a biasing means 3, a separate member 4, a rotating member 5, a magnetic sensor 9 (rotation angle detection means), a resistance force applying means 7, and an elasticity applying member D.

[0027] Case 1 is installed inside a switch case S (see Figures 1 and 2) attached to the tip end of the handlebar H of a motorcycle (vehicle) (the base end of the throttle grip G). It houses various components that make up the throttle grip device and rotatably holds the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 5, etc. As shown in Figure 5, Case 1 consists of a molded part having a first housing section 1a that rotatably houses the interlocking member 2, a second housing section 1b that rotatably houses the rotating member 5, and a third housing section 1c that houses the resistance force applying means 7. Reference numeral 11 indicates a plate-shaped lid member for closing the opening side of Case 1.

[0028] The throttle grip G extends from the switch case S and is designed to be rotated by the driver while being held. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to rotate it in a predetermined direction a around its axis from its initial position. An engaging portion Ga (see Figure 6), which has a protruding shape, is formed on the base end of the throttle grip G. This engaging portion Ga engages with the engaged portion 2a (see Figures 5, 7, 12, etc.) of the interlocking member 2, thereby connecting the throttle grip G and the interlocking member 2.

[0029] The interlocking member 2 has a recessed engaged portion 2a that can engage with the engaging portion Ga formed on the throttle grip G, and can rotate in conjunction with the rotational operation of the throttle grip G. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the interlocking member 2 according to this embodiment consists of an annular member having an engaged portion 2a, a mounting recess 2b, a flange 2c, and a gear 2d. The interlocking member 2 according to this embodiment has a sliding surface n that allows the resistance force applying means 7 to slide.

[0030] The engaged portion 2a consists of a concave shape formed at a position corresponding to the engaged portion Ga of the throttle grip G, and the base end of the throttle grip G is connected to the interlocking member 2 with the engaged portion Ga fitted into the engaged portion 2a and engaged. As a result, the interlocking member 2 can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the throttle grip G. The engaged portion 2a is formed on the surface of the interlocking member 2 (one surface that can be exposed to the outside when assembled to the case 1, as shown in Figure 7), and a mounting recess 2b is formed on the other surface.

[0031] In this embodiment, the interlocking member 2 has, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, an installation portion 2e for installing the elasticity-imparting member D and an opening 2f for inserting the contact portion 4a of the separate member 4 on the bottom surface of its engaged portion 2a. As shown in Figure 10, the installation portion 2e has a concave shape that matches a part of the shape of the elasticity-imparting member D (see Figure 14) to be installed, and is capable of being attached while positioning the elasticity-imparting member D.

[0032] The elasticity-imparting member D according to this embodiment is made by molding a rubber material, elastomer, or resin material (such as a soft resin) into a block shape, and as shown in Figure 14, it is configured to have a convex portion Da and an inclined surface Db. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the convex portion Da consists of a part that matches the recess h formed in the installation portion 2e of the interlocking member 2, and the elasticity-imparting member D can be positioned by installing it on the installation portion 2e while matching the convex portion Da with the recess h.

[0033] The separate member 4 is attached to a mounting recess 2b formed on the back surface of the interlocking member 2 and is rotatable integrally with the interlocking member 2. It is made of a resin material harder than the elasticity-imparting member D, and as shown in Figures 11 and 13, a pair of convex contact portions 4a are integrally formed on it. As shown in Figures 11 and 13, one side of the contact portion 4a has an inclined surface 4aa, and the other side has a contact surface 4ab that can contact the engagement portion Ga of the throttle grip G.

[0034] However, when the separate member 4 is attached to the interlocking member 2, the contact portion 4a is inserted into the opening 2f of the interlocking member 2, and the contact portion 4a is formed to protrude at a position adjacent to the elasticity-providing member D. In this way, when the contact portion 4a is formed to protrude at a position adjacent to the elasticity-providing member D, as shown in Figure 15, the inclined surface 4aa of the contact portion 4a coincides with the inclined surface Db of the elasticity-providing member D, thereby preventing the elasticity-providing member D from coming off.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the engaging portion Ga contacts and presses against the contact surface 4ab of the contact portion 4a, and this pressing force presses against the elasticity-providing member D, thereby generating elasticity in the elasticity-providing member D. Thus, in this embodiment, an elasticity-providing member D having elasticity is interposed between the engaging portion Ga and the interlocking member 2, and when the throttle grip G rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the rotation operation of the throttle grip is transmitted to the interlocking member 2 via the elasticity-providing member D.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the operating force transmitted from the engaging portion Ga to the interlocking member 2 can be softened by the elasticity (rebound force) of the elasticity-providing member D, thereby reducing the responsiveness of the interlocking member 2 and lowering the response (response characteristics) of the throttle grip device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the engaging portion Ga presses against the elasticity-providing member D via the contact portion 4a, thus avoiding direct contact between the engaging portion Ga and the elasticity-providing member D. Since the separate member 4 is made of a resin material harder than the elasticity-providing member D, the contact portion 4a can be made harder than the elasticity-providing member D and configured to withstand repeated contact.

[0037] The mounting recess 2b is a concave shape formed on the back surface of the interlocking member 2, into which the separate member 4 can be fitted. The interlocking member 2 also has a flange 2c formed around its circumference, and a gear 2d formed over a predetermined range. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, this gear 2d is assembled to mesh with a gear formed on the outer circumference of the rotating member 5, so that the rotating member 5 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member 2.

[0038] The biasing means 3 consists of a torsion coil spring and is a return spring that biases the interlocking member 2 toward its initial position when the throttle grip G rotates forward a. Specifically, the biasing means 3 is assembled with one end locked to the case 1 and the other end locked to the interlocking member 2. When the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction, the interlocking member 2 rotates against the biasing force of the biasing means 3, and this biasing force is transmitted to the throttle grip G, acting to return the throttle grip G to its initial position.

[0039] The rotating member 5 is capable of rotating in conjunction with the interlocking member 2, and is housed in the second housing section 1b of the case 1 (see Figure 5), and is rotatable about an axis L (see Figures 4 and 9). When the interlocking member 2 rotates, the rotating member 5 rotates about the axis L at an angle of rotation corresponding to the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2. As shown in Figure 9, the rotating member 5 is connected to a magnet M by the axis L, and the magnet M is configured to rotate about the axis L together with the rotating member 5.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, the magnetic sensor 9 (rotation angle detection means) consists of a sensor positioned on the extension of the axis L, and is capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip G by detecting changes in magnetism (changes in the direction of the magnetic field) generated from the magnet M. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 9 can obtain an output voltage corresponding to the change in the magnetic field (change in magnetic flux density) of the magnet M, and is composed of, for example, a Hall element, which is a magnetic sensor that utilizes the Hall effect (specifically, a linear Hall IC that can obtain an output voltage proportional to the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) of the magnet M). In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 9 is formed on a printed circuit board 8 on which a predetermined electrical circuit is printed, and is covered with a housing member 10 made of a non-magnetic material.

[0041] In this embodiment, as the throttle grip G rotates in a predetermined direction, the interlocking member 2 rotates in the same direction, causing the rotating member 5 to rotate in conjunction with it according to the gear ratio (the gear ratio of the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 5). The magnet M connected to the rotating member 5 also rotates in the same direction by the same angle. As a result, the magnetic field of the rotating member 5 changes according to its rotation angle, allowing an output voltage corresponding to that rotation angle to be obtained. Based on this output voltage, it is possible to detect the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2 (i.e., the rotation angle of the throttle grip G). The rotation angle of the throttle grip G detected in this way is transmitted as an electrical signal to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) mounted on the motorcycle, and the vehicle's drive source (engine) can be controlled according to the transmitted rotation angle of the throttle grip G.

[0042] The resistance-applying means 7 generates sliding resistance (frictional resistance due to sliding) when the throttle grip G rotates, thereby generating a rotational load. It consists of a friction member assembled in contact with the sliding surface n formed over the circumferential direction of the interlocking member 2. This resistance-applying means 7 is housed in the third housing portion 1c of the case 1 and is assembled by being pressed against the sliding surface n of the interlocking member 2 by the biasing force of the spring. When the interlocking member 2 rotates, it slides against the sliding surface n, generating a frictional force and creating a desired rotational load.

[0043] According to the throttle grip device of the above embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction, the rotational operation of the throttle grip G is transmitted to the interlocking member 2 via the elasticity-providing member D. Therefore, compared to devices that transmit the rotational operation of the throttle grip G via a wire, and devices that detect the rotational operation of the throttle grip G with a sensor and do not have an elasticity-providing member D, it was possible to reduce the torque, especially in the initial stages of rotation.

[0044] Specifically, a throttle grip device according to this embodiment (Example), a throttle grip device that transmits the rotational operation of the throttle grip G via a wire (Comparative Example 1), and a throttle grip device that detects the rotational operation of the throttle grip G with a sensor and does not have an elasticity-providing member D (Comparative Example 2) were prepared, and the relationship between the rotational operation angle and torque of each was measured. As shown in Figure 23, the results were γ for the Example, α for Comparative Example 1, and β for Comparative Example 2.

[0045] Therefore, the throttle grip device according to this embodiment can provide torque, especially in the initial stages of rotation, similar to Comparative Example 1, which transmits the rotational operation of the throttle grip G via a wire. This reduces the feeling of discomfort during operation compared to Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, with the throttle grip device according to this embodiment, the torque tendency of Comparative Example 1 can be approximated in the middle and final stages of rotation by, for example, arbitrarily changing the sliding resistance of the resistance force applying means 7.

[0046] Next, throttle grip devices according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the throttle grip device according to the second embodiment is configured with an elasticity-imparting member E1 attached to the engaged portion 2a of the interlocking member 2. The elasticity-imparting member E1 according to this embodiment is made by molding a rubber material, elastomer, or resin material into a predetermined shape, and as shown in Figure 17, a concave shape E1a is formed that matches the convex shape r formed on the engaged portion 2a, and is press-fitted and fixed into the engaged portion 2a of the interlocking member 2.

[0047] In other words, the elasticity-imparting member E1 is designed so that its outer contour shape is slightly larger than the dimensions of the mounting area of ​​the engaged portion 2a, and is press-fitted and fixed by attaching it to the engaged portion 2a while compressing the entire member and matching the concave shape E1a with the convex shape r. In addition to press-fitting, the elasticity-imparting member E1 may also be fixed with an adhesive or other adhesive, or it may be integrally molded with the interlocking member 2.

[0048] According to this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a, the engaged portion 2a presses against the elasticity-providing member E1, compressing it and generating elasticity. As a result, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the operating force transmitted from the engaged portion Ga to the interlocking member 2 can be softened by the elasticity (rebound force) of the elasticity-providing member E1, thereby reducing the responsiveness of the interlocking member 2 and lowering the response (response characteristics) of the throttle grip device.

[0049] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the throttle grip device according to the third embodiment is configured by attaching an elasticity-imparting member E2 to the engaged portion 2a of the interlocking member 2. The elasticity-imparting member E2 according to this embodiment is made by molding a rubber material, elastomer, or resin material into a predetermined shape, and as shown in Figure 18, a concave shape E2a is formed that matches the convex shape r formed on the engaged portion 2a, and a convex shape t that engages with the opening u (engagement portion) formed on the engaged portion 2a is integrally formed.

[0050] When attaching the elasticity-imparting member E2 to the engaged portion 2a, it is fixed by aligning the concave shape E2a with the convex shape r and inserting the convex shape t through the opening u to engage. In this embodiment, the elasticity-imparting member E2 is fitted with a convex shape t and inserted through the opening u (engagement portion) formed in the engaged portion 2a to engage. However, the elasticity-imparting member E2 may be fitted with a concave shape and the convex shape (engagement portion) formed in the engaged portion 2a may be inserted through it to engage.

[0051] According to this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a, the engaged portion 2a presses against the elasticity-providing member E2, compressing it and generating elasticity. As a result, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the operating force transmitted from the engaged portion Ga to the interlocking member 2 can be softened by the elasticity (rebound force) of the elasticity-providing member E2, thereby reducing the responsiveness of the interlocking member 2 and lowering the response (response characteristics) of the throttle grip device.

[0052] As shown in Figure 19, the throttle grip device according to the fourth embodiment is configured with an elasticity-imparting member E3 attached to the engagement portion Ga of the throttle grip G. The elasticity-imparting member E3 according to this embodiment is made by molding a rubber material, elastomer, or resin material into a predetermined shape, and is fixed by means of adhesive, integral molding, or other means to a position where it is interposed between the engagement portion Ga and the engaged portion 2a when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a.

[0053] According to this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a, the engaged portion 2a presses against the elasticity-providing member E3, compressing it and generating elasticity. As a result, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the operating force transmitted from the engaged portion Ga to the interlocking member 2 can be softened by the elasticity (rebound force) of the elasticity-providing member E3, thereby reducing the responsiveness of the interlocking member 2 and lowering the response (response characteristics) of the throttle grip device.

[0054] The throttle grip device according to the fifth embodiment is configured to have an elasticity-imparting member W assembled to a separate member 12, as shown in Figures 20 to 22. The elasticity-imparting member W according to this embodiment consists of a pair of coil springs extending in an arc shape, and is assembled so that when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a, it is compressed in the extending direction at the engaging portion Ga to generate elasticity.

[0055] The separate member 12 is an annular member that is attached to the interlocking member 2 and can rotate integrally with the interlocking member 2, and a pair of spring receiving portions 12a are formed protruding from its surface. As shown in Figure 22, the spring receiving portion 12a has a receiving portion 12aa that receives one end of the elasticity-imparting member W and a contact surface 12ab which is its back surface. When the separate member 12 is assembled to the interlocking member 2, it is inserted through the opening d formed in the interlocking member 2 so that the contact surface 12ab faces the engaged portion 2a.

[0056] According to this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated in a predetermined direction a, the engaging portion Ga engaged with the engaged portion 2a presses against the contact surface 12ab, and by rotating the separate member 12 relative to the interlocking member 2, the elasticity-imparting member W is compressed and elasticity is generated. As a result, in this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the operating force transmitted from the engaging portion Ga to the interlocking member 2 can be softened by the elasticity (rebound force) of the elasticity-imparting member W, thereby reducing the responsiveness of the interlocking member 2 and lowering the response (response characteristics) of the throttle grip device.

[0057] According to the throttle grip devices of the first to fifth embodiments, elasticity-imparting members (D, E1 to E3, W) are interposed between the engaging portion Ga and the interlocking member 2. When the throttle grip G rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction a, the rotational operation of the throttle grip G is transmitted to the interlocking member 2 via the elasticity-imparting members (D, E1 to E3, W). This allows the sensor to detect the rotational operation while simultaneously reproducing the transmission loss during the rotational operation of the throttle grip G, thereby reducing discomfort during operation and improving operability.

[0058] In particular, according to the throttle grip devices of the first to third embodiments, the elasticity-imparting members (D, E1, E2) are attached to the engaged portion 2a of the interlocking member 2, so the elasticity-imparting members (D, E1, E2) can be attached by utilizing the relatively large space in the interlocking member 2. Furthermore, according to the throttle grip device of the fourth embodiment, the elasticity-imparting member E3 is attached to the engaged portion Ga of the throttle grip G, so the throttle grip G and the elasticity-imparting member E3 can be treated as an integrated part.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the throttle grip device of the first embodiment, it has a contact portion 4a that can come into contact with the engaging portion Ga, and when the throttle grip G rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction a, the engaging portion Ga presses against the contact portion 4a, generating elasticity in the elasticity-providing member D. Therefore, when generating elasticity in the elasticity-providing member D, the engaging portion Ga comes into contact with and presses against the contact portion 4a, which suppresses damage or deterioration of the engaging portion Ga by preventing it from directly contacting the elasticity-providing member D.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the throttle grip device of the first embodiment, a separate member 4 is attached to the interlocking member 2 and is rotatable integrally with the interlocking member 2, and the contact portion 4a consists of a portion integrally formed with the separate member 4. Therefore, through the cooperation of the interlocking member 2 and the separate member 4, the elasticity of the elasticity-imparting member D can be generated while the engaging portion Ga contacts the contact portion 4a.

[0061] In addition, according to the throttle grip device of the second embodiment, the elasticity-imparting member E1 is made of rubber, elastomer, or resin material and is press-fitted into the engaged portion 2a of the interlocking member 2 and fixed, so that the elasticity-imparting member E1 can be reliably fixed by utilizing the elasticity of the rubber, elastomer, or resin material. Furthermore, according to the throttle grip device of the third embodiment, the elasticity-imparting member E2 is made of rubber, elastomer, or resin material and is engaged into the engaged portion (opening u) formed in the interlocking member 2 and fixed, so that the elasticity-imparting member E2 can be easily attached and detached, and the elasticity-imparting member E2 can be easily replaced.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the throttle grip device of the fifth embodiment, a separate member 12 is attached to the interlocking member 2 and is rotatable integrally with the interlocking member 2, and an elasticity-imparting member W is attached to the separate member 12. Therefore, the cooperation between the interlocking member 2 and the separate member 12 can generate elasticity from the elasticity-imparting member W.

[0063] However, according to the throttle grip devices of the first to fifth embodiments, a resistance force-applying means 7 is provided that generates sliding resistance when the interlocking member 2 rotates. Therefore, when the throttle grip G is rotated, the elasticity of the elasticity-applying members (D, E1 to E3, W) can be applied in conjunction with the sliding resistance of the resistance force-applying means 7, allowing for fine adjustment of the operability. In this embodiment, the resistance force-applying means 7 slides on the sliding surface n formed on the flange 2c of the interlocking member 2, but it may also slide on other parts of the interlocking member 2.

[0064] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the elasticity-imparting members (D, E1~E3, W) may be replaced with other elastic members, and the magnetic sensor 9 may be replaced with another sensor capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip G (such as a sensor that does not use magnetism). Furthermore, the applicable vehicles are not limited to motorcycles as in this embodiment, but may also be other vehicles having handlebars H (for example, ATVs and snowmobiles). In addition, the vehicle to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a vehicle with an engine as the drive source, but may also be a vehicle with an electric motor as the drive source. [Industrial applicability]

[0065] A throttle grip device that interposes an elasticity-providing member between the engaging portion and the interlocking member, and transmits the rotational operation of the throttle grip to the interlocking member via the elasticity-providing member when the throttle grip rotates in a predetermined direction from its initial position, can be applied to devices with different external shapes or those with added functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 case 1a First containment area 1b Second containment area 1c Third containment area 2 Interlocking members 2a Engaged part 2b Mounting recess 2c flange 2D Gear 2e Installation part 2f opening 3. Biasing means (torsion coil spring) 4. Separate component 4a Contact part 4aa sloped surface 4ab Contact surface 5 Rotating Member 6. Means for selecting biased forces 6a Spring receiving section 6aa receiving surface 6ab back 6b Projection 7. Means of imparting resistance 8 Printed circuit boards 9. Magnetic sensor (rotation angle detection means) 10. Housing member 11 Lid member 12 Separate component 12a Spring receiving part G Throttle Grip Ga engagement part M magnet n sliding surface D, E1, E2, E3, W Elasticity-imparting members Da (convex part) Db inclined plane

Claims

1. A throttle grip that allows the driver to control the rotation, An interlocking member having an engaged portion that can engage with an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip, and which can rotate in conjunction with the throttle grip, A case that rotatably holds the aforementioned interlocking member, A rotation angle detection means capable of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle grip by detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member, A throttle grip device comprising the following, wherein when the throttle grip is rotated in a predetermined direction from its initial position, the vehicle's drive source can be controlled according to the rotation angle of the throttle grip detected by the rotation angle detection means, A throttle grip device characterized in that an elasticity-imparting member having elasticity is interposed between the engagement portion and the interlocking member, and when the throttle grip rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the rotational operation of the throttle grip is transmitted to the interlocking member via the elasticity-imparting member.

2. The throttle grip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the engaged portion of the interlocking member.

3. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, comprising a separate member attached to the interlocking member and rotatable integrally with the interlocking member, wherein the separate member has a contact portion that can contact the engaging portion, and when the throttle grip rotates from its initial position in a predetermined direction, the engaging portion presses against the contact portion to generate elasticity in the elasticity-providing member.

4. The throttle grip device according to claim 3, characterized in that the contact portion consists of a portion integrally formed with the separate member.

5. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is made of rubber, elastomer, or resin, and is press-fitted and fixed to the engaged portion of the interlocking member.

6. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is made of rubber, elastomer, or resin material and is engaged with and fixed to an engaging portion formed on the interlocking member.

7. The throttle grip device according to claim 2, further comprising a separate member attached to the interlocking member and capable of rotating integrally with the interlocking member, wherein the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the separate member.

8. The throttle grip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elasticity-imparting member is attached to the engagement portion of the throttle grip.

9. The throttle grip device according to claim 1, further comprising means for providing a resistive force that generates sliding resistance when the interlocking member rotates.

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