A support structure for the control unit of a vehicle with a seat.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TH · TH
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2018-09-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-29
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Control Unit Support Structure for Straddle-Type Vehicles
[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit support structure for a straddle-type vehicle that supports a control unit connected to a connector.
[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-68839 discloses that in a straddle-type vehicle, an ECU (Engine Control Unit) as a control unit is housed in a case, and the case is supported by the vehicle body. The control unit can supply an electrical signal to various electrical components mounted on the straddle-type vehicle via a harness connected to the connector by being connected to the connector.
[0003] Generally, a control unit is heavier than a connector. Therefore, when a control unit with a weight difference is connected to a connector, for example, if the connector side is supported by the vehicle body, the control unit connected to the connector may vibrate due to its own weight. Also, due to the vibration of the harness, the control unit may resonate.
[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control unit support structure for a straddle-type vehicle capable of suppressing the vibration of the control unit.
[0005] The present invention is a control unit support structure for a straddle-type vehicle having a control unit and a connector connected to the control unit, and has the following features.
[0006] First feature: When viewing the connection surface between the control unit and the connector, the control unit is disposed inside the connector. The control unit support structure is attached to the vehicle body of the straddle-type vehicle and includes a control unit support member that supports the control unit and the connector.
[0007] Second feature: The control unit support member is disposed so as to overlap the control unit and the connector in a side view of the vehicle body.
[0008] A third feature: When viewed from the connection surface, each of the control unit and the connector has a long side and a short side. The control unit support member is positioned outside the control unit and the connector along each of the long sides of the control unit and the connector, so as to overlap with each of the long sides.
[0009] A fourth feature: The control unit support member is positioned outside the control unit and the connector such that, when viewed from the connection surface, it overlaps with the long and short sides of the control unit and the connector.
[0010] Fifth feature: The control unit support member has a lower support portion that supports the control unit and the connector from below.
[0011] A sixth feature: The lower support portion has a recessed area that is lowered. The control unit is supported from below at the bottom of the recess.
[0012] A seventh feature: The control unit support member is provided with drainage holes that communicate with the outside.
[0013] Eighth feature: The control unit is connected to the connector such that it is heavier than the connector and lower than the connection surface.
[0014] Ninth feature: The control unit support member is a cylindrical member, and the upper end of the control unit support member is provided with an insertion hole into which the control unit and the connector can be inserted.
[0015] The tenth feature: The control unit support member is made of rubber.
[0016] According to the first feature of the present invention, the control unit and the connector, which are separate components, are integrally supported by a control unit support member, which is the same component. This makes it possible to support the control unit and the connector on the vehicle body while suppressing vibration (resonance) of the control unit and the connector.
[0017] According to a second feature of the present invention, vibrations to the control unit and connector can be reduced.
[0018] According to the third feature of the present invention, the control unit and connector can be supported over a wide area, making it possible to effectively suppress vibrations of the control unit and connector.
[0019] According to a fourth feature of the present invention, vibrations in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the saddle-type vehicle in the control unit and connector can be effectively suppressed.
[0020] According to the fifth feature of the present invention, vertical vibrations of the control unit and connector can be effectively suppressed.
[0021] According to the sixth feature of the present invention, the control unit and the connector can be securely held even when the height of the control unit and the height of the connector are different.
[0022] According to the seventh feature of the present invention, liquids such as water that have entered the control unit support member from the outside can be easily discharged to the outside through the drainage hole.
[0023] According to the eighth feature of the present invention, since the heavy control unit is positioned below the connector, it is possible to lower the center of gravity of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0024] According to the ninth feature of the present invention, an assembly (assembly) formed by connecting a control unit and a connector can be inserted into the control unit support member from above through an insertion hole. This improves the ease of assembling the assembly to the control unit support member. Furthermore, it facilitates the routing of the harness from the connector.
[0025] According to the tenth feature of the present invention, vibrations of the control unit and connector can be further reduced.
[0026] This is a right side view of a motorcycle to which the support structure according to this embodiment is applied. This is a right side view of a motorcycle with a part of the body cover of Figure 1 removed. This is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the motorcycle shown in Figure 2. This is an enlarged right side view illustrating the connector, control unit, and control unit support member of Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 4. This is a perspective view of the connector of Figure 4 viewed from diagonally above. This is a perspective view illustrating the state before the connection between the control unit and the connector. This is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the control unit, connector, and control unit support member when viewed from the connection surface between the control unit and the connector. This is a perspective view of the control unit support member. This is a bottom view of the control unit support member. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI of Figure 10. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII of Figure 10.
[0027] A preferred embodiment of the control unit support structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.
[0028] [Outline Configuration of Motorcycle 12] Figure 1 is a right side view of a motorcycle 12 to which the control unit support structure 10 of the saddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the support structure 10 according to this embodiment) is applied. Figure 2 is a right side view showing a state in which a part of the body cover 14 constituting the motorcycle 12 has been removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a part of the internal configuration of the motorcycle 12 that was exposed to the outside in Figure 2. In the following description, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions will be described according to the direction as seen by an occupant (driver, passenger) seated on the front seat 16a or rear seat 16b of the motorcycle 12.
[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the motorcycle 12 has a body frame (body) 18 and a synthetic resin body cover 14 that covers the body frame 18. In the following description, an example will be given in which the support structure 10 is applied to a Cub-type motorcycle 12, but the support structure 10 according to this embodiment can also be applied to other types of saddle-type vehicles such as scooters.
[0030] The vehicle frame 18 includes a head pipe 20 at the front end, a main frame 22 extending diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 20, a pivot plate 24 attached to the rear end of the main frame 22, and a pair of left and right rear frames 26 extending diagonally upward and rearward from the middle of the main frame 22.
[0031] A front fork 28 is mounted to the head pipe 20 so as to be steerable. The upper part of the front fork 28 is configured as a steering stem 30. A handlebar 32 is attached to the steering stem 30. A front wheel 34 is attached to the lower end of the front fork 28. A front fender 36 is attached to the front fork 28, covering the front wheel 34 from above.
[0032] A power unit 38, including an engine (not shown), is mounted to the main frame 22 and pivot plate 24. A swingarm 40 is pivotably mounted to the pivot plate 24 via a pivot shaft (not shown). A rear wheel 42 is mounted to the rear end of the swingarm 40. A rear cushion 44 is connected between the rear end of the swingarm 40 and the rear frame 26. A rear fender 46 is also mounted to the rear frame 26, covering the rear wheel 42 from above.
[0033] The rear frame 26 supports the front seat 16a where the driver sits and the rear seat 16b where the passenger sits from below. Below the front seat 16a, in front of the rear frame 26, and above the rear end of the main frame 22, the fuel tank 48 is supported by the main frame 22 and the rear frame 26.
[0034] The power unit 38 includes a crankcase 50 mounted on the main frame 22 and pivot plate 24 so as to be arranged in the front-rear direction, an engine and transmission (not shown) housed inside the crankcase 50, and a cylinder section 52 that protrudes substantially horizontally forward from the front of the crankcase 50. The cylinder section 52 is constructed by connecting a cylinder block 52a, a cylinder head 52b, and a head cover 52c in that order from the front of the crankcase 50 toward the front.
[0035] An intake system 54 is provided diagonally above and in front of the cylinder section 52. The intake system 54 consists of an air cleaner 54a attached to the main frame 22, a throttle body 54b connected to the air cleaner 54a, and an intake pipe 54c connecting the throttle body 54b to the intake port 56 of the cylinder head 52b. An injector 58 is attached to the intake pipe 54c, which injects fuel supplied from the fuel tank 48 into the intake port 56. A spark plug 60 is also attached to the cylinder head 52b.
[0036] An exhaust system 62 is provided below the power unit 38. The exhaust system 62 consists of an exhaust pipe 62a connected to the exhaust port 64 of the cylinder head 52b and extending rearward below the power unit 38, and a muffler 62b connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 62a and extending rearward to the right of the rear wheel 42. An exhaust gas sensor 66 is mounted near the exhaust port 64 of the cylinder head 52b.
[0037] The vehicle body cover 14 covers the vehicle body frame 18, fuel tank 48, cylinder section 52, etc. The vehicle body cover 14 has a front cover 68, a handle cover 70, a main frame cover 72, and a rear side cover 74. The front cover 68 covers the front of the vehicle body frame 18, including the head pipe 20. The handle cover 70 is above the front cover 68 and covers the left and right central parts of the handlebars 32. The main frame cover 72 is connected to the front cover 68 from the rear of the head pipe 20, sandwiching the head pipe 20, and covers the front part of the main frame 22. The rear side cover 74 is connected to the rear edge of the main frame cover 72 and covers the fuel tank 48 and the parts around the fuel tank 48.
[0038] Furthermore, a pair of left and right leg shields 76 are integrally formed on the main frame cover 72 to cover the front of the driver's feet. In addition, a footrest portion 78 is provided between the fuel tank 48 and the head pipe 20, which is roughly U-shaped in the side view shown in Figures 1 and 2 and connects to the main frame cover 72 and the rear side cover 74. Moreover, a lid 80 is detachably provided on the rear side cover 74. By removing the lid 80, it is possible to access the components inside the rear side cover 74.
[0039] A step stay 82 for the driver extends outward from the bottom of the crankcase 50 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). A step 84 for the driver to place their feet on while seated on the front seat 16a is attached to the end of the step stay 82. A main stand 88 for raising the motorcycle 12 to an upright position is provided on the pivot plate 24. A brake pedal 90, operated by the driver with their foot while seated on the front seat 16a, is connected to the rear end of the main frame 22.
[0040] [Support Structure 10 According to This Embodiment] In the motorcycle 12 configured as described above, the support structure 10 according to this embodiment is applied as a support structure for supporting a control unit 100 such as an ECU on the vehicle frame 18. The support structure 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 12. In the description of the support structure 10, Figures 1 to 3 will also be referenced as necessary.
[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, an electrical component fixing member 102 is attached to the vehicle frame 18 below the fuel tank 48, specifically to the front end of the rear frame 26 or the right side of the rear end of the main frame 22. A control unit support member 104 for supporting the control unit 100 is attached to the right central part of the electrical component fixing member 102. In other words, the control unit 100 is supported by the vehicle frame 18 via the control unit support member 104 and the electrical component fixing member 102. Note that the above-described attachment points for the electrical component fixing member 102 to the vehicle frame 18 (where the control unit 100 is supported) are just examples, and the electrical component fixing member 102 can be attached to any location on the vehicle frame 18.
[0042] In the support structure 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, when the card edge terminal type control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected, both the control unit 100 and the connector 106, which are separate components, are supported by the control unit support member 104, which is made of the same component. Generally, the control unit 100 is heavier than the connector 106. Therefore, the control unit support member 104 integrally supports the control unit 100 and the connector 106 when the control unit 100 is positioned below and the connector 106 is positioned above.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, a harness 110 bundling a plurality of cables 108 is drawn out from the base end portion of the connector 106 (the base end portion 140a of a connector housing 140 described later), which is the upper portion of the connector 106. The harness 110 is connected to various electrical components within the motorcycle 12. Here, examples of the electrical components include a battery (not shown), a throttle body 54b, an injector 58, a spark plug 60, an exhaust gas sensor 66, a regulator 112 attached to the right rear portion of the electrical component fixing member 102, and an electrical component 114 attached to the right front portion of the electrical component fixing member 102. The plurality of harnesses 110 connecting the connector 106 and the above-described respective electrical components are collectively held by a bundling band 116 or the like, or fixed to the vehicle body frame 18 or the like. In this case, the harness 110 provided on the connector 106 connected to the control unit 100 extends upward from the connector 106 and is fixed to the vehicle body frame 18 at an upper position.
[0044] By connecting to the connector 106, the control unit 100 receives power supply from the battery via the harness 110 and the connector 106. On the other hand, by supplying an electrical signal to each electrical component via the connector 106 and the harness 110, the control unit 100 can control each of the electrical components. For example, when the electrical component is the throttle body 54b, the control unit 100 can control the opening degree of a throttle valve (not shown) by supplying an electrical signal to the throttle body 54b via the connector 106 and the harness 110. Also, when the electrical component is the injector 58, the control unit 100 can control the timing and amount of fuel injection from the injector 58 to the intake port 56 by supplying an electrical signal to the injector 58 via the connector 106 and the harness 110.
[0045] Next, the specific configurations of the control unit 100, the connector 106, the control unit support member 104, and the electrical component fixing member 102 will be described while referring to FIGS. 4 to 12.
[0046] The control unit 100 is an electrical component that is heavier than the connector 106. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, it includes a substantially rectangular unit main body portion 120, a protruding portion 122 that protrudes from one side surface of the unit main body portion 120 (the side surface facing the connector 106), a plate-shaped terminal portion 124 that extends outward (toward the connector 106 side) from the protruding portion 122, an annular seal member 126 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 122, and a gripping portion 128 that protrudes from the other side surface of the unit main body portion 120 (the side surface opposite to the connector 106).
[0047] The unit main body portion 120 is a resin housing that houses electronic components (not shown). In the unit main body portion 120, on each of the two surfaces with a large planar area that connect two side surfaces, that is, on each of the two surfaces that constitute the long side 130a (see FIG. 8) of the control unit 100 described later, two protruding portions 132 are provided at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the unit main body portion 120 (the direction along the long side 130a of the control unit 100 in FIG. 8). Each of the four protruding portions 132 provided on the unit main body portion 120 is provided with a protrusion 134.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the seal member 126 seals the space between the control unit 100 and the connector 106 when the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are fitted (connected). A part of the tip portion of the protruding portion 122 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers toward the plate-shaped terminal portion 124. The plate-shaped terminal portion 124 is a resin substrate. On each of the two surfaces parallel to the two surfaces of the unit main body portion 120, a plurality of contact portions 136 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the terminal portion 124 (the direction along the long side 130a of the control unit 100 in FIG. 8). The plurality of contact portions 136 are electrically connected to the electronic components within the unit main body portion 120.
[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the connector 106 has a connector housing 140 which is a cylindrical member made of resin. Multiple cables 108 constituting the harness 110 are drawn out from the base end 140a of the connector housing 140. On the other hand, the tip end 140b of the connector housing 140 bulges radially. As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the connector housing 140 has an insertion recess 142 into which the unit body 120, protruding portion 122, sealing member 126, and terminal portion 124 of the control unit 100 can be inserted. This insertion recess 142 is formed along the central axis 144 of the connector 106, extending from the tip end 140b to the base end 140a. The insertion recess 142 is formed at the tip end 140b of the connector housing 140 and consists of a large diameter portion 142a that opens outward and a small diameter portion 142b that is formed along the central axis 144, extending from the large diameter portion 142a towards the base end 140a. The large-diameter portion 142a is sized to allow insertion of the unit body portion 120 of the control unit 100. The small-diameter portion 142b is sized to allow insertion of the protruding portion 122, the sealing member 126, and the terminal portion 124.
[0050] Four notches 146 are formed on the edge of the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140, corresponding to the four protrusions 134 of the unit body portion 120. In the large diameter portion 142a of the insertion recess 142, a slider 148 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140. The slider 148 is connected to a lever 150 (see Figures 4 to 8) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 140b via a connecting mechanism (not shown). Four guide grooves 151 are formed on the slider 148, corresponding to the four notches 146. As shown in Figure 7, each of the four guide grooves 151 extends slightly from the edge side of the tip portion 140b toward the base end portion 140a side, and has a shape that bends diagonally from the extended end. Note that only two guide grooves 151 are shown in Figure 7.
[0051] In this case, by moving the lever 150 forward and backward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 144 relative to the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 (the direction along the long side 152a of the connector 106 in Figure 8), the slider 148 can be moved perpendicularly within the large diameter portion 142a via the connecting mechanism. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the direction in which the lever 150 is moved forward and backward with double-headed arrows.
[0052] Specifically, when the lever 150 is pulled in a perpendicular direction from the state shown in Figures 6 and 7, the slider 148 can be moved in the direction in which the lever 150 was pulled via the connecting mechanism. This connects the four notches 146 to the edges of the four guide grooves 151. In this state, when the four projections 134 are inserted into the four notches 146 and the control unit 100 is inserted into the large-diameter portion 142a, the control unit 100 can be inserted to a position where the four projections 134 contact the bent portions of the four guide grooves 151.
[0053] With a portion of the control unit 100 inserted into the insertion recess 142, when the lever 150 is returned to the position shown in Figures 6 and 7 in the orthogonal direction, the slider 148 can be moved back to its original position via the connecting mechanism. As described above, the four guide grooves 151 extend diagonally from the bent portion, and each of the four projections 134 abuts against the bent portion of the guide groove 151. Therefore, the force that returns the slider 148 to the position shown in Figure 7 is converted into a force that pulls the control unit 100 toward the base end 140a side of the connector housing 140 (the back side of the insertion recess 142) via the four guide grooves 151 and the four projections 134. As a result, when the lever 150 returns to the position shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit 100 is inserted to the position shown in Figure 5. When the slider 148 returns to its original position, the communication between the four guide grooves 151 and the four notches 146 is interrupted, preventing the control unit 100, which is connected (mated) to the connector 106, from coming off the connector 106.
[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the base end 140a side of the connector housing 140 of the slider 148 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 154 that hold the unit body portion 120 of the inserted control unit 100 in the radial direction of the connector housing 140. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 is fitted into the connector 106, only the gripping portion 128 of the control unit 100 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, by pulling the lever 150 in the orthogonal direction in Figures 6 and 7 to connect the four guide grooves 151 and the four notches 146, and then pulling the gripping portion 128 from the connector 106, the control unit 100 can be easily removed from the connector 106. Note that the configuration of the lever 150 and slider 148 described above is well known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-182994), so their detailed configuration is omitted.
[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the small-diameter portion 142b (inner circumferential surface of the connector housing 140) of the connector housing 140 is provided with, in order from the tip portion 140b toward the base portion 140a of the connector housing 140, two holding members 156 that clamp the sealing member 126 (protruding portion 122) of the control unit 100 from the radial direction of the connector housing 140, a spacer 158 with a tapered shape that abuts against the tapered portion of the protruding portion 122 of the control unit 100, and a plurality of terminals 160 that contact a plurality of contact portions 136. Each of the plurality of terminals 160 extends to the base portion 140a of the connector housing 140 and is connected to one of the cables 108. Therefore, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the electrical components mounted on the motorcycle 12 via the contact portions 136, terminals 160, and cable 108. In other words, the mating state between the control unit 100 and the connector 106 shown in Figure 5 represents the state in which the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected (connected state).
[0056] In the following description, when the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected, the connection point between the control unit 100 and the connector 106, as viewed from the control unit 100 to the connector 106, will be referred to as the connection surface 162, as shown in Figure 8. Note that in Figure 8, some components of the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are omitted, and the connection state between the control unit 100 and the connector 106, as well as the support state of the control unit 100 and the connector 106 by the control unit support member 104, are conceptually illustrated.
[0057] As described above, the control unit 100 is inserted into the insertion recess 142. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected such that when the connection surface 162 between the control unit 100 and the connector 106 is viewed, the control unit 100 is positioned inside the connector 106. Also, when viewing the connection surface 162, the control unit 100 has a long side 130a and a short side 130b, and the connector 106 has a long side 152a and a short side 152b. Furthermore, since the control unit 100 is heavier than the connector 106, it is connected to the connector 106 so that it is below the connection surface 162 (see Figure 8), as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
[0058] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 8 to 12, the control unit support member 104 is a cylindrical member made of rubber. That is, the control unit support member 104 is a rectangular parallelepiped rubber with a hollow interior, and an insertion hole 174 communicating with the hollow portion 172 is formed at the upper end 170 of the control unit support member 104 (see Figures 5, 9, 11, and 12). The insertion hole 174 is a hole smaller than the outer circumference of the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140. The hollow portion 172 is also large enough to accommodate the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 when the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected.
[0059] As shown in Figure 5, within the interior (hollow portion 172) of the control unit support member 104, the inner circumferential surface 176 of the control unit support member 104 supports the outer circumference of the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 11, and 12, the lower portion of the interior (hollow portion 172) of the control unit support member 104 is stepped. This stepped portion is configured as a lower support portion 178 that supports the unit body portion 120 of the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 of the connector 106 from below. In addition, the central part of the lower support portion 178 is formed as a recessed portion 180 that is lowered, and the bottom of the recessed portion 180 supports the gripping portion 128 of the control unit 100 from below. This allows the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 to be easily supported in the hollow portion 172.
[0060] As shown in Figures 5, 10, and 12, the recess 180 has four drainage holes 182 that communicate with the outside, formed in the vertical direction. The drainage holes 182 are provided to discharge liquids such as water that have entered the hollow portion 172 of the control unit support member 104 to the outside. In other words, the drainage holes 182 only need to be able to discharge liquids from the hollow portion 172 to the outside, so any number of holes may be provided at any location on the control unit support member 104 as needed.
[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 12, in the control unit support member 104, slit-shaped through holes 184 are formed in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the cavity portion 172.
[0062] Here, when inserting the connected control unit 100 and connector 106 into the control unit support member 104, with the gripping portion 128 of the control unit 100 and the insertion hole 174 of the control unit support member 104 facing each other, the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 elastically deforms the upper end portion 170 of the control unit support member 104. This widens the insertion hole 174, allowing the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 to be inserted into the cavity portion 172 through the insertion hole 174. The inserted control unit 100 is supported from below by the lower support portion 178 and the recess 180. In addition, the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 is supported from below by the lower support portion 178 and from the side by the inner circumferential surface 176 of the control unit support member 104. As a result, the control unit support member 104 can support the control unit 100 and connector 106 in a state where it overlaps with the control unit 100 and connector 106 in the side view shown in Figures 3 and 4.
[0063] When the tip 140b of the control unit 100 and the connector housing 140 are inserted into the cavity 172, the upper end 170 of the control unit support member 104 is released from the pressure exerted by the tip 140b of the connector housing 140, and the insertion hole 174 returns to its original size. This prevents the control unit 100 and the connector 106 from coming out of the control unit support member 104.
[0064] By supporting the control unit 100 and connector 106 with the control unit support member 104, as shown in Figure 8, when viewing the connection surface 162, the control unit support member 104 is positioned so as to overlap with the long sides 130a and 152a of the control unit 100 and connector 106 on the outside, along the long sides 130a and 152a of the control unit 100 and connector 106, and so as to overlap with the short sides 130b and 152b of the control unit 100 and connector 106 on the outside, along the short sides 130b and 152b of the control unit 100 and connector 106.
[0065] In this manner, the control unit support member 104 supports the connected control unit 100 and connector 106 by housing the entire control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140. In this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the control unit support member 104 to house and support the entire connected control unit 100 and connector 106 in the hollow portion 172.
[0066] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, 8 and 9, the electrical component fixing member 102 is a metal member and has a plate 192 fixed to the vehicle frame 18 by a plurality of fastening members 190 such as bolts, and two plate-shaped stays 194 extending to the right from the center of the plate 192. The two stays 194 are sized to pass through through holes 184 provided on the front and rear of the control unit support member 104. In addition, the tips 140b of the two stays 194 have protrusions 196 that project upward and downward.
[0067] Therefore, when attaching the control unit support member 104 to the electrical component fixing member 102, the front stay 194 is inserted into the front through hole 184, and the rear stay 194 is inserted into the rear through hole 184. In this case, each of the two stays 194 elastically deforms the control unit support member 104 in the vertical direction by the upper and lower protrusions 196. As a result, the two through holes 184 widen in the vertical direction, allowing the two stays 194 (upper and lower protrusions 196) to pass through the through holes 184. When the upper and lower protrusions 196 pass through the through holes 184 and protrude to the right of the control unit support member 104, the control unit support member 104 is released from the pressing state from the upper and lower protrusions 196, and the through holes 184 return to their original size. As a result, the control unit support member 104 is attached to the electrical component fixing member 102 with the stays 194 passing through each of the two through holes 184. The upper and lower protrusions 196 protrude vertically beyond the through hole 184, preventing the control unit support member 104 from coming loose from the electrical component fixing member 102.
[0068] [Procedure for attaching the control unit 100 and connector 106 to the vehicle frame 18] In the support structure 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 100 and connector 106 can be attached to the vehicle frame 18 by following the procedure below.
[0069] First, with the terminal portion 124 of the control unit 100 and the insertion recess 142 of the connector 106 facing each other, the control unit 100 is inserted into the insertion recess 142 (see Figure 7). In this case, the lever 150 is first pulled from the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 144, moving the slider 148 in that direction to connect the four guide grooves 151 and the four notches 146. In this state, each of the four projections 134 of the control unit 100 is fitted into the notches 146, and the control unit 100 is pushed into the insertion recess 142. This inserts the control unit 100 to a position where the four projections 134 contact the bent portions of the four guide grooves 151.
[0070] Next, when the lever 150 is pushed toward the tip 140b of the connector housing 140 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 144, the slider 148 moves in that direction. As a result, the force that moves the slider 148 in the direction perpendicular is converted into a force that pulls the control unit 100 into the back of the insertion recess 142 via the four guide grooves 151 and the four protrusions 134. As a result, the control unit 100 is pulled further into the insertion recess 142. When the lever 150 comes into contact with the tip 140b of the connector housing 140, the unit body 120 is housed in the large diameter portion 142a, the tapered portion of the protrusion 122 comes into contact with the spacer 158, and the contact portion 136 and the terminal 160 are connected (see Figure 5). As a result, the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are connected with the gripping portion 128 exposed from the tip 140b of the connector housing 140.
[0071] Next, with the control unit 100 and connector 106 in a connected state, the gripping portion 128 of the control unit 100 and the insertion hole 174 of the control unit support member 104 are facing each other, and the tip portion 140b of the control unit 100 and connector housing 140 are inserted into the insertion hole 174 (see Figures 5, 9, 11, and 12). The insertion hole 174 is smaller in size than the outer circumference of the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140. Therefore, when the control unit 100 is inserted into the insertion hole 174, the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 causes the upper end portion 170 of the control unit support member 104 to elastically deform, and the insertion hole 174 widens. As a result, the tip portion 140b of the control unit 100 and connector housing 140 is inserted into the hollow portion 172 of the control unit support member 104 through the insertion hole 174.
[0072] When the tip portion 140b of the control unit 100 and the connector housing 140 is inserted into the cavity portion 172, the upper end portion 170 of the control unit support member 104 is released from the pressed state, and the insertion hole 174 returns to its original size. As a result, the unit body portion 120 of the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 of the connector 106 are supported from below by the lower support portion 178. In addition, the gripping portion 128 of the control unit 100 is supported from below by the recess 180. Furthermore, the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140 is supported from the side by the inner circumferential surface 176 of the control unit support member 104.
[0073] Next, the control unit support member 104, which houses the control unit 100 and the tip portion 140b of the connector housing 140, is fixed to the electrical component fixing member 102 (see Figures 2 to 5, 8 and 9). First, the front stay 194 of the electrical component fixing member 102 is positioned opposite the front through hole 184 of the control unit support member 104, and the rear stay 194 is positioned opposite the rear through hole 184. With these two stays 194 facing each other, each of the two stays 194 is inserted into the through hole 184. In this case, the front and rear of the control unit support member 104 are elastically deformed vertically by the upper and lower protrusions 196 formed on the two stays 194. As a result, the two through holes 184 widen vertically, and the two stays 194 pass through the through holes 184. When the upper and lower protrusions 196 of each of the two stays 194 pass through the through holes 184 and protrude to the right of the control unit support member 104, the control unit support member 104 is released from the compressed state, and the two through holes 184 return to their original size. As a result, the control unit support member 104 is attached to the electrical component fixing member 102 with each of the two stays 194 passing through the through holes 184.
[0074] To remove the control unit 100 and connector 106 from the vehicle frame 18, the reverse procedure described above should be followed. Alternatively, instead of the above procedure, the control unit support member 104 may be attached to the electrical component fixing member 102 first, and then the connected control unit 100 and connector 106 may be inserted into the insertion hole 174 of the control unit support member 104.
[0075] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of the support structure 10 according to this embodiment, which has been described above, will now be explained.
[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 and the connector 106, which are separate components, are integrally supported by the control unit support member 104, which is the same component. This allows the control unit 100 and the connector 106 to be supported on the vehicle body while suppressing vibration (resonance) of the control unit 100 and the connector 106.
[0077] Furthermore, since the control unit support member 104 is positioned to overlap with the control unit 100 and connector 106 in the side view shown in Figures 3 and 4, vibrations transmitted to the control unit 100 and connector 106 can be reduced.
[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when viewing the connection surface 162 between the control unit 100 and the connector 106, each of the control unit 100 and the connector 106 has long sides 130a and 152a and short sides 130b and 152b. A control unit support member 104 is positioned outside the control unit 100 and the connector 106 along each of the long sides 130a and 152a of the control unit 100 and the connector 106, overlapping with each of the long sides 130a and 152a. This allows the control unit 100 and the connector 106 to be supported over a wide area, and effectively suppresses vibrations of the control unit 100 and the connector 106.
[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit support member 104 is positioned outside the control unit 100 and connector 106 such that it overlaps with the long sides 130a, 152a and short sides 130b, 152b of the control unit 100 and connector 106 when viewed from the connection surface 162. This effectively suppresses vibrations of the motorcycle 12 in the longitudinal and lateral directions in the control unit 100 and connector 106.
[0080] Furthermore, the control unit support member 104 has a lower support portion 178 that supports the control unit 100 and the connector 106 from below. This effectively suppresses vertical vibrations of the control unit 100 and the connector 106.
[0081] Furthermore, a recessed portion 180 is formed in the lower support portion 178, and the bottom of the recessed portion 180 supports the control unit 100 from below. This ensures that the control unit 100 and the connector 106 are securely held even if the height of the control unit 100 and the height of the connector 106 are different.
[0082] Furthermore, the control unit support member 104 is provided with a drainage hole 182 that communicates with the outside, so that any liquid such as water that enters the control unit support member 104 from the outside can be easily discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 182.
[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is heavier than the connector 106 and connected to the connector 106 in such a way that it is positioned below the connection surface 162. As a result, the heavy control unit 100 is positioned below the connector 106, which makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the motorcycle 12.
[0084] Furthermore, the control unit support member 104 is a cylindrical member, and an insertion hole 174 is provided at the upper end 170 of the control unit support member 104 into which the control unit 100 and connector 106 can be inserted. This allows the assembly (assembly) formed by connecting the control unit 100 and the connector 106 to be inserted into the interior of the control unit support member 104 from above through the insertion hole 174. As a result, the ease of assembling the assembly to the control unit support member 104 can be improved, and the routing of the harness 110 from the connector 106 can also be made easier.
[0085] Furthermore, because the control unit support member 104 is made of rubber, vibrations of the control unit 100 and connector 106 can be further reduced.
[0086] Although the present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the reference numerals in parentheses in the claims are used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, following the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and the present invention is not to be interpreted as being limited to the elements to which these reference numerals are used.
Claims
DEPCT6416 / 07 / 25631. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12), the control unit support structure (10) is assembled with the control unit (100), and the connector (106) connected to the control unit (100), where: when the connection surface (162) between the control unit (100) and the connector (106) is viewed, the control unit (100) is positioned on the inner side of the connector (106). The control unit support structure (10) is further assembled with the control unit support assembly (104) which is attached to the vehicle body. The (18) part of the saddle-mounted vehicle (12), and which is shaped to accommodate the control unit (100) and connector (106), a protruding part (140b) is provided on the connector (106) for the overlap of the control unit (100); the connector (106) will include a control unit receiver (142) shaped to receive the control unit (100), a divider (158) provided on the control unit receiver (142), and a terminal block (160); the control unit (100), on one side of the connector (106), will include a protruding assembly (122) that extends to the connector (106).And the terminal end of the power connector (124) protruding from the far end of the protruding assembly (122) to the connector (106); the control unit (100), on the side opposite to the connector (106), will include a protruding assembly (128) shaped to protrude beyond the connector (106). When the control unit receiver (142) receives the protruding assembly (122) and the terminal end of the power connector (124), the protruding assembly (122) will be flush with the divider (158), and the terminal end The wiring harness (124) and the wiring terminal end (160) shall be connected to each other, and at least the protruding part (140b) and the protruding assembly (128) shall be supported by the control unit support assembly (104).
2. The control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) in accordance with claim 1, where: the connector (106) shall include the connector (140a), the protruding part (140b) extending from the connector (140a) to the control unit (100),and the control unit receiver (142) is provided from the connector (140a) to the bulge (140b); and the control unit support assembly (104) is positioned to overlap the control unit receiver (142).
3. The control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under claim 1 or 2, which is further incorporated with a support assembly (194) shaped to support the control unit support assembly (104) on the vehicle body (18), where the support assembly (194) is positioned.
4. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims of Claims 1 through 3, in which case where the connector (106) is attached to the vehicle body (18) through the control unit support assembly (104), the connector (106) is open downwards.
5. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims of Claims 1 through 4,Where the control unit support assembly (104) is positioned to overlap the control unit (100) and connector (106) when viewed from one side of the vehicle body (18).
6. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims of claims 1 through 5, where when the connecting surface (162) is viewed, the control unit (100) and connector (106) respectively shall include long sides (130a,152a) and short sides (130b,152b) and the control unit support assembly (104) shall be positioned. The support structure for the control unit (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) according to claim 6, where, when the connection surface (162) is viewed, the support assembly for the control unit (104) is placed externally of the control unit (100) and connector (106) to overlap each long side (130a,152a) and each short side (130b,152b) of the control unit (100) and connector (106) 8. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims of Claims 1 through 7, in which the control unit support assembly (104) shall consist of a lower support (178) which is shaped to support the control unit (100) and connector (106) from below.
9. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under Claim 8, in which a downward-facing recess (180) shall be formed on the lower support (178) and the control unit (100) shall be supported from below at the bottom of the recess (180).
10. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims of Claims 1 through 9, in which the control unit support assembly (104) is a tubular assembly,And the insertion hole (174) into which the control unit (100) and connector (106) are allowed to be inserted shall be provided at the upper end (170) of the control unit support assembly (104).-----------------------------------------------------------DEPCT641.Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12), the control unit support structure (10) incorporating the control unit (100), and the connector (106) connected to the control unit (100), in which, when the connection surface (162) between the control unit (100) and the connector (106) is viewed, the control unit (100) is placed on the inner side of the connector (106); the control unit support structure (10) is further incorporating the control unit support assembly (104) which is attached to the body (18) of the saddle-mounted vehicle (12),and which is configured to accommodate the control unit(100) and connector(106), a protrusion(140b) is provided on the connector(106) to overlap the control unit(100); the connector(106) includes the control unit receiver(142) which is configured to receive the control unit(100), a barrier(158) which is provided on the control unit receiver(142) and end(160); the control unit(100) on the side of the connector(106) includes an extension(122) that extends to the connector(106) and an end(124) that extends from the far end of the extension(122) to the connector(106).
1. The control unit (100) on the opposite side to the connector (106), including the protruding assembly (128), is configured to protrude outward over the connector (106). When the control unit receiving section (142) receives the protruding assembly (122) and the end section (124), the protruding assembly (122) supports the barrier (158) and the end section (124) and end (160) are connected to each other and at least the protruding section (140b) and the protruding assembly (128) are supported by the control unit support assembly (104).
2. The control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) in accordance with claim 1,Where the connector (106) includes the connector section (140a), the convex section (140b) extending from the connector section (140a) to the control unit (100), and the control unit receiver section (142) provided from the connector section (140a) to the convex section (140b), and the control unit support assembly (104) is positioned to overlap the control unit receiver section (142).
3. The control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under claim 1 or 2, which is further incorporated with a support assembly (194) which is configured to support the control unit receiver section (142).
1. A control unit support structure (104) on the vehicle body (18) in which the support assembly (194) is positioned to overlap the control unit (100).
4. A control unit support structure (10) for a saddle-mounted vehicle (12) in accordance with any of Claims 1 through 3 in which, where the connector (106) is attached to the vehicle body (18) via the control unit support assembly (104), the connector (106) is open downward.
5. A control unit support structure (10) for a saddle-mounted vehicle (12) in accordance with any of Claims 1 through 4,Where the control unit support assembly (104) is positioned to overlap the control unit (100) and connector (106) when viewed from one side of the vehicle body (18).
6. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims 1 through 5, where, when the connecting surface (162) is viewed, the control unit (100) and connector (106) respectively shall include the long sides (130a,152a) and short sides (130b,152b), and the control unit support assembly (104) is positioned to overlap the control unit (100) and connector (106) when viewed from one side of the vehicle body (18). Overlap with each long side (130a,152a), externally of the control unit (100) and connector (106) along each long side (130a,152a) of the control unit (100) and connector (106).
7. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) according to claim 6, where, when the connection surface (162) is viewed, the control unit support assembly (104) is placed externally of the control unit (100) and connector (106), to overlap with each long side (130a,152a) and each short side (130b,152b) of the control unit (100) and connector (106) 8. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims 1 through 7, in which the control unit support assembly (104) is incorporated with a lower support (178) which is shaped to support the control unit (100) and connector (106) from below.
9. Control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under claim 8, in which a recessed section with an inward-facing channel (180) is formed on the lower support. The lower (178); and the control unit (100) shall be supported from below the bottom of the recess (180).
10. The control unit support structure (10) for saddle-mounted vehicles (12) under any of the claims 1 through 9, where the control unit support assembly (104) is a tubular assembly, and the insertion hole (174) into which the control unit (100) and connector (106) shall be allowed to be inserted shall be provided at the upper end (170) of the control unit support assembly (104).-----------------------------------------------------------;,