straddle-type vehicles

Abstract

The straddle-type vehicle (1) of the present invention includes an accelerator operation detection sensor (40), which comprises: a linkage (401) connected to the accelerator manual operator (30) without mechanical wiring; and a direct detection unit (402) that directly detects the position change of the linkage. After the combustion action of the engine (10) is stopped due to the idling shutdown condition, the control device (50) applies rotational resistance, a force in the forward rotation direction, or a force in the reverse rotation direction to the crankshaft by means of the starter motor (52) when the crankshaft (101) is rotating forward or stopped. Thereafter, the control device (50) is configured to restart the engine (10) by rotating the crankshaft (101) by means of the starter motor (52) on one of the conditions that the position of the linkage (401) has moved from the initial position to the adjacent area based on the signal of the accelerator operation detection sensor (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle. Prior Technology

[0002] As a method to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles, an idle stop system is known. An idle stop system stops the running engine when specific stopping conditions are met, and restarts the stopped engine when specific restart conditions are met.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle equipped with an idle stop system. In this motorcycle, the engine automatically stops when the motorcycle remains stationary for a specific period of time. Furthermore, in this motorcycle, when a user sits on the seat and operates the accelerator grip, the stopped engine restarts. The accelerator grip is connected to the engine's throttle valve via a mechanical cable, and the throttle opening is adjusted according to the operation of the accelerator grip. Whether the accelerator grip is operated is determined based on the throttle valve opening detected by a throttle sensor. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-92096 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The objective of this invention is to suppress deviations caused by the driver's deviation in the speed of operation of the accelerator manual control until the engine restarts. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] In straddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, the accelerator control is often located on the handlebars. The handlebars are used for steering in straddle-type vehicles. When turning left in a straddle-type vehicle, the driver turns the handlebar counter-clockwise. When turning right in a straddle-type vehicle, the driver turns the handlebar clockwise. In cases where the accelerator control and throttle valve are connected by a mechanical cable, as in the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1, the mechanical cable is slack by a specific amount when the handlebar is not in the steering position. The reason for this is as follows.

[0008] For example, suppose the mechanical cable is taut when the handlebar is not turned. In this case, if the handlebar is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, the accelerator actuator connected to the handlebar also moves. If the accelerator actuator moves, the mechanical cable connected to it is pulled. As a result, the throttle valve may open even though the accelerator actuator is not operated. Therefore, when the accelerator actuator and throttle valve are connected by a mechanical cable, the mechanical cable is slack by a certain amount so that the throttle valve does not open even if the handlebar is turned. However, the slack in the mechanical cable will cause a delay in the throttle valve's response to the operation of the accelerator actuator.

[0009] Figure 8(A) is a diagram showing the response time of the throttle valve to the operation of the accelerator operator in a previous straddle-type vehicle where the accelerator operator and the throttle valve are connected by a mechanical wire. In the previous straddle-type vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, before the accelerator operator is operated by a specific amount A1 from the fully closed position, the operation of the accelerator operator is absorbed by the slack of the mechanical wire, and the throttle valve does not open (the clearance is relatively long). If the accelerator operator is operated by a specific amount A1 or more, the throttle valve opens according to the operation of the accelerator operator. When the opening of the throttle valve reaches a specific value V1, the straddle-type vehicle detects the driver's request to restart the engine. As with the straddle-type vehicle in Patent Document 1, in order to restart the stopped engine based on the opening of the throttle valve, the operation amount of the accelerator operator must exceed a certain threshold. As a result, the period until the straddle-type vehicle detects the driver's restart request becomes longer.

[0010] Here, as an example of the idle stop system's operation, waiting at a traffic light can be cited. It is assumed that drivers typically want to smoothly start a straddle-type vehicle after waiting at a traffic light. In straddle-type vehicles, where, as described above, the accelerator pedal operation must exceed a certain threshold to restart the engine, the driver wants to quickly operate the accelerator pedal to restart the engine as soon as possible. However, the speed at which the accelerator pedal is operated varies depending on the driver.

[0011] Figure 8(B) illustrates the deviation in the time until engine restart caused by the operating speed of the accelerator pedal in a previous straddle-type vehicle where the accelerator pedal and throttle valve are mechanically connected. In the figure, solid lines represent faster accelerator pedal operation, and single-dot chain lines represent slower operation. When the accelerator pedal is operated slowly, the time until the accelerator pedal's operation reaches a specific amount A1 becomes longer. Therefore, the time until the throttle valve opening reaches a specific value V1 also becomes longer. That is, the accelerator pedal operation speed varies depending on the driver, leading to a deviation in the time until engine restart. As a result, some drivers may perceive the time until engine restart as longer. In particular, in straddle-type vehicles, the accelerator pedal is operated by the driver's hand; therefore, compared to vehicles where the accelerator pedal is operated by foot, the driver can more easily perceive the engine's response to the accelerator pedal operation.

[0012] The inventors have studied how to suppress deviations in the period until the engine restarts. When the engine stops via an idle stop system, the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal can be considered a request to restart the engine. The inventors believe that if a straddle-type vehicle can detect the driver's restart request as early as possible, the period until the engine restarts can be shortened, thereby suppressing deviations in this period.

[0013] To enable straddle-type vehicles to detect driver restart requests as early as possible, it was considered to adjust the settings of straddle-type vehicles so that the engine restarts when the accelerator pedal is slightly operated. However, this idea is based on the premise that the straddle-type vehicle can detect slight accelerator pedal operation. As mentioned above, in straddle-type vehicles where the accelerator pedal is mechanically connected to the throttle valve and the operation of the accelerator pedal is requested based on the opening of the throttle valve, if the amount of accelerator pedal operation does not exceed a certain threshold, it is impossible to detect that the accelerator pedal has been operated. Therefore, in such straddle-type vehicles, it is difficult to detect driver restart requests early. Therefore, the inventors believe that in order to shorten the time until the engine restarts, it is necessary to detect driver restart requests early by means of a different configuration than the following straddle-type vehicle, which connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle valve mechanically and requests the operation of the accelerator pedal based on the opening of the throttle valve. Based on the above research, the present invention was completed.

[0014] (1) The straddle-type vehicle of the present invention comprises: An engine, which has a crankshaft; Handlebar, used for steering; The accelerator manual control, located on the aforementioned handlebar, is operated by the driver by hand to control the engine output; and The control device restarts the engine, which has stopped due to the idling shutdown condition, by starting the starter motor; The aforementioned straddle-type vehicle further includes an accelerometer operation detection sensor. The aforementioned accelerometer operation detection sensor is installed on the aforementioned handle lever to detect the operation of the aforementioned accelerometer manual operator. The above-mentioned control device is Before detecting the request to start the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle, i.e., the start request, When a restart request is detected that is different from the above-mentioned start request but earlier than the above-mentioned start request, and that would restart the engine that stopped due to the above-mentioned idle speed shutdown condition, i.e., a restart request, The method of initiating the engine restart operation before detecting the aforementioned start request. The accelerometer operation detection sensor detects both the start request and the restart request based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor, which is located on the handle lever, and detects that the accelerometer manual operator has been operated.

[0015] In the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle, an accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebars detects both the driver's intention to start the vehicle (start request) and the driver's intention to restart the engine (restart request). When a restart request is detected, the control unit initiates the engine restarting action (e.g., combustion action) before detecting the start request. That is, when the driver inputs a start request to start the vehicle, the engine has already begun to restart. Furthermore, the control unit detects both the restart request and the start request via the accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebars. Therefore, compared to a configuration that detects the operation of the accelerator manual control based on the opening of a throttle valve connected to the accelerator manual control via a mechanical cable, the restart request can be detected much earlier in the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle. Therefore, deviations in the time until the engine restarts due to deviations in the driver's operating speed of the accelerator manual control can be suppressed.

[0016] (2) As in (1) above, straddle-type vehicles, in which The aforementioned control device may also be, After the engine combustion stops due to the aforementioned idling shutdown condition, when the crankshaft is rotating forward or stopped, the starter motor applies rotational resistance, a force in the forward direction of rotation, or a force in the reverse direction of rotation to the crankshaft, moving the position of the crankshaft before detecting the aforementioned restart request. After detecting the restart request based on the signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar, the engine restarts by rotating the crankshaft forward instead of in the reverse direction.

[0017] Straddle-type vehicles are modes of transportation that rely on the driver's steering wheel and weight-bearing movements for maneuverability. Therefore, they require a high degree of responsiveness to the driver's intentions. Furthermore, maneuverability, lightness, and convenience are important factors for straddle-type vehicles. Thus, small and lightweight designs are desirable. Restarting the engine in a straddle-type vehicle after idling differs from a normal start; it must be done while waiting at a traffic light in the driving lane. Therefore, straddle-type vehicles with an idle-stop function require even higher responsiveness.

[0018] When an engine stopped by the idle stop function is restarted, the starter motor is driven to rotate the crankshaft. At this time, the load on the starter motor is not constant. For example, in the case of a four-stroke engine, the starter motor experiences a larger load, causing the crankshaft to rotate beyond the top dead center of the compression stroke. In contrast, a starter motor capable of outputting greater torque is considered for straddle-type vehicles. However, using such a starter motor increases its size, making it difficult to miniaturize and lighten the straddle-type vehicle, potentially compromising responsiveness. Furthermore, when using a starter motor with a smaller output to rotate the crankshaft, it is also considered to rotate the crankshaft in the reverse direction (rebound) and then in the forward direction. However, this correspondingly lengthens the time from crankshaft rebound until the engine restarts. In short, even if a straddle-type vehicle can detect the driver's restart request early, a longer time until the engine begins combustion will make it difficult to restart the engine quickly.

[0019] In the straddle-type vehicle described in (2) above, after the engine combustion stops via the idle stop function, the starter motor applies resistance or force to the crankshaft when the crankshaft rotates forward due to inertia or stops. This allows the crankshaft to be stopped at any crank angle position before the engine restarts. For example, the crankshaft can be stopped midway through the expansion stroke and accelerated during the run-up phase, which includes the remaining portion of the expansion stroke, the exhaust stroke, and the intake stroke. During this run-up phase, the crankshaft can acquire the inertial torque needed to overcome the top dead center of the compression stroke. Thus, by stopping the crankshaft at any crank angle position, even with a smaller starter motor output, the engine can be restarted without the crankshaft swinging back. Furthermore, in the straddle-type vehicle described above, a restart request is detected as early as possible by an accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar. Therefore, based on the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle, the driver's restart request can be detected earlier, and the time from detecting the restart request to restarting the engine can be shortened, thereby shortening the total time from when the driver inputs a restart request to the vehicle until the engine restarts.

[0020] (3) As in (1) or (2) above, straddle-type vehicles may also be, The aforementioned accelerator operation detection sensor includes: The linkage, which is indirectly connected to or directly fixed to the aforementioned accelerator manual operator without via a mechanical wire but via a gear mechanism or linkage mechanism, thereby linking its operation with that of the aforementioned accelerator manual operator; and A direct detection unit, fixed to the handle, directly detects position changes of the linkage using a magnetic mechanism, a variable resistor mechanism, or a switching mechanism; and The detection mechanism indicates that the position of the aforementioned linkage has moved from its initial position (when the accelerator manual operator is not activated) to an adjacent region adjacent to the initial position. The above-mentioned control device is The engine is restarted when the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor detects that the position of the linkage has moved from the initial position to the adjacent area. The accelerometer operation detection sensor is located on the handle and is connected to the accelerometer manual operator without a mechanical wire.

[0021] In the straddle-type vehicle described above (3), the direct detection unit in the accelerator operation detection sensor detects the change in position of the linkage from its initial position via a magnetic mechanism, a variable resistor mechanism, or a switching mechanism. The position of the linkage changes in conjunction with the operation of the accelerator manual operator. That is, in the straddle-type vehicle described above, the engine is restarted not based on the opening of the throttle valve, but based on the operation of the accelerator manual operator detected by the accelerator operation detection sensor. Furthermore, the linkage is indirectly connected to or directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator via a gear mechanism or a linkage mechanism. Gear mechanisms, linkage mechanisms, and direct connections do not have the large bends of mechanical cables, and therefore, compared to mechanical cables, they are less likely to absorb the operation of the accelerator manual operator. Therefore, even if the amount of operation of the accelerator manual operator is small, the operation of the accelerator manual operator is easily reflected in the position change of the linkage. That is, the range (clearance) of undetected accelerator manual operator operation in the operating area of ​​the accelerator manual operator can be shortened or eliminated. As a result, the control unit can detect as early as possible that the position of the linkage has changed from its initial position to an adjacent area. In other words, the control unit can detect early on the driver's restart request reflected in the operation of the accelerator manual control.

[0022] (4) Any of the straddle-type vehicles described in (1) to (3) above, which may also be, The aforementioned starter motor is a starter generator with power generation function. The above-mentioned control device is Before detecting the aforementioned start request, when the aforementioned restart request is detected based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the aforementioned handlebar, The engine restart operation is initiated, and initial detonation auxiliary control is executed. This initial detonation auxiliary control controls the starter motor for at least a portion of the period from the detection of the restart request to the initial detonation of the engine, thereby driving the starter motor and adding its output to the engine output.

[0023] (5) Any of the straddle-type vehicles described in (1) to (4) above, which may also be, The aforementioned starter motor is a starter generator with power generation function. The above-mentioned control device is Before detecting the aforementioned start request, when the aforementioned restart request is detected based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the aforementioned handlebar, The restart operation of the aforementioned engine is initiated, and a complete detonation auxiliary control is executed. This complete detonation auxiliary control controls the starter motor for at least a portion of the period from the initial detonation of the aforementioned engine to the complete detonation of the aforementioned engine, thereby driving the starter motor and adding the output of the starter motor to the output of the aforementioned engine.

[0024] In the straddle-type vehicle described in (4) above, the generator is started to assist the engine after the engine restarts until the initial explosion. In the straddle-type vehicle described in (5) above, the generator is started to assist the engine from the initial explosion until the final explosion. Therefore, for example, the engine load is reduced before the engine starts combustion or before the engine speed reaches idle speed after the initial explosion. Furthermore, in this straddle-type vehicle, a restart request can be detected earlier, thus allowing the starter generator to assist the engine after the driver inputs a restart request or to assist the engine after the initial explosion to be advanced in time. As a result, in this straddle-type vehicle, the starter generator can start assisting the engine earlier. Therefore, according to this straddle-type vehicle, deviations during the period until the engine restarts can be suppressed, and the engine combustion can start earlier or the engine speed can reach idle speed earlier.

[0025] (6) A straddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (5) above, wherein The aforementioned control device may also be, When the start request is detected based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar, The combustion control for driving is performed by controlling the engine by linking the accelerator manual actuator with a throttle valve located in the engine's intake manifold.

[0026] According to the straddle-type vehicle described above (6), when a driver's start request is detected via the accelerator manual control, the engine and the driver's operation of the accelerator manual control are linked to perform a combustion action.

[0027] (7) A straddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (6) above, wherein The aforementioned control device may also be, Before detecting the aforementioned start request, when the aforementioned restart request is detected based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the aforementioned handlebar, Execute control over the aforementioned engine until it is completely destroyed, then restart control.

[0028] (8) As described in (7) above, among which The aforementioned control device may also be, Before detecting the aforementioned start request, when the aforementioned restart request is detected based on the signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the aforementioned handlebar, The restart control is performed in a manner that does not cause the aforementioned accelerator manual actuator to be linked to the throttle valve located in the intake manifold of the aforementioned engine.

[0029] According to the straddle-type vehicle described in (7) and (8) above, the engine is automatically controlled until it reaches full speed, regardless of the driver's manual operation of the accelerator. Therefore, according to the straddle-type vehicle described above, the driver's workload can be reduced and the engine restart can be optimized.

[0030] "Straddle-type vehicle" refers to a conveyor. A straddle-type vehicle is a driver-operated vehicle. A straddle-type vehicle is, for example, a motorcycle. A straddle-type vehicle is not limited to motorcycles; for example, it can also be a three-wheeled motorcycle. A straddle-type vehicle may have two or three wheels. A straddle-type vehicle may have at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. There are no particular limitations on the type of straddle-type vehicle; for example, it can be a scooter, a light motorcycle with pedals, an off-road vehicle, or a road vehicle. A straddle-type vehicle is, for example, a vehicle in which the driver straddles the seat. In a straddle-type vehicle, for example, the driver's left leg is positioned further to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and the right leg is positioned further to the right of the center in the left-right direction. A straddle-type vehicle may also have a passenger compartment. A straddle-type vehicle may also be a tilting vehicle. A tilting vehicle includes, for example, a vehicle body that tilts towards the side it rotates to. That is, the vehicle body tilts to the left when the tilting vehicle rotates to the left, and tilts to the right when the tilting vehicle rotates to the right. The tilting vehicle, for example, has at least one steering wheel that tilts together with the vehicle body. The tilting vehicle, for example, has at least one drive wheel that tilts together with the vehicle body.

[0031] An "engine" can be, for example, a vehicle that generates power for driving a straddle-type vehicle. An engine can be, for example, a vehicle that generates power for starting a straddle-type vehicle. The power generated by the engine can be transmitted to the drive wheels, for example, via a transmission. The power generated by the engine can be transmitted to the transmission without a torque converter. The transmission can be, for example, a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch can be used to transmit and interrupt power from the engine to the drive wheels. An engine can be, for example, an internal combustion engine. An engine can be, for example, a fuel-injected engine. An engine can be, for example, a reciprocating engine. An engine can be, for example, a four-stroke engine. An engine can be, for example, a spark-ignition engine that uses a spark plug to ignite fuel. An engine can also be a diesel engine that uses compressed air to ignite fuel. The fuel used in an engine can be, for example, gasoline, propane gas (LP gas), hydrogen, alcohol, biofuels, synthetic fuels, etc. An engine can be, for example, an inline, V-type, or horizontally opposed engine. An engine can be, for example, a single-cylinder engine. An engine can also be a multi-cylinder engine. An engine can be, for example, a vehicle that contains at least one cylinder. An engine can be, for example, a vehicle that contains at least one piston. At least one piston is housed, for example, in a corresponding cylinder. The engine, for example, includes a crankshaft connected to at least one piston via a connecting rod. The engine, for example, is supported in the body of a straddle-type vehicle. The engine, for example, includes a throttle device. The throttle device, for example, includes a throttle valve and an actuator.

[0032] "Idle shutdown conditions" are, for example, the conditions under which the engine's combustion process stops using the idle shutdown function. Idle shutdown conditions are, for example, regulated by the accelerator pedal input, throttle valve opening, vehicle speed, etc. An engine that stops due to idle shutdown conditions can restart when restart conditions are met. A restart condition is, for example, a condition that restarts an engine that has stopped due to idling shutdown. One restart condition is, for example, that the control unit detects, based on a signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor, that the operation amount of the accelerometer manual control has reached or exceeded the restart value. Another case is that the control unit detects, for example, a signal from the accelerometer operation detection sensor, that the position of the linkage has moved from its initial position to an adjacent area. Restart conditions may also include other conditions besides the control unit detecting a restart value.

[0033] The control device controls the opening of the throttle valve, for example, based on the operation of the accelerator manual actuator. The control device is electrically connected to, for example, an actuator that drives the throttle valve based on the operation of the accelerator manual actuator. For example, the control device is configured such that, after detecting that the position of the linkage has changed from the initial position to an adjacent region based on the signal of the accelerator operation detection sensor output by the operation of the accelerator manual operator, when the movable region of the throttle valve is equally divided into five regions including a very low opening region (containing the minimum opening position), a low opening region, a medium opening region, a high opening region, and a very high opening region (containing the maximum opening position), the engine is restarted at least based on the operation of the accelerator manual operator before the opening of the throttle valve is moved from the very low opening region to the low opening region. A throttle valve is, for example, located in the engine's intake manifold. The throttle valve is, for example, a rotary valve type. The throttle valve has, for example, a rotating shaft. The throttle valve is, for example, rotatable about the rotating shaft. The throttle valve, for example, changes the cross-sectional area of ​​the intake manifold's flow path by rotating about the rotating shaft. The cross-sectional area of ​​the intake manifold's flow path corresponds, for example, to the opening degree of the throttle valve. The throttle valve, for example, adjusts the amount of air supplied to the engine's combustion chamber. The throttle valve is, for example, electrically connected to a control device. The throttle valve is, for example, electronically controlled. The throttle valve can also, for example, be connected to an accelerator manual actuator via a mechanical wire. However, even in this case, the operation of the accelerator manual actuator is detected by an accelerator operation detection sensor. The movable region of a throttle valve is, for example, the area from its minimum opening position to its maximum opening position. The minimum opening position is, for example, the position where the cross-sectional area of ​​the intake manifold is minimized. The minimum opening position is, for example, the throttle valve closed position. At the minimum opening position, the throttle valve opening is, for example, 0 degrees. However, the throttle valve opening may not be 0 degrees at the minimum opening position. For example, when the throttle valve is opened by a certain amount without the accelerator manual shifter being operated, the throttle valve opening at the minimum opening position is not 0 degrees. At the minimum opening position, the engine output is, for example, minimum. The maximum opening position is, for example, the position where the cross-sectional area of ​​the intake manifold is maximized. At the maximum opening position, the throttle valve opening is, for example, substantially 90 degrees. More specifically, at the maximum opening position, the throttle valve opening is, for example, 85 degrees. The extremely low opening region is, for example, the region with the smallest upper limit of the throttle valve's opening range among the equally divided movable regions of the throttle valve. The lower limit of the throttle valve's opening in the extremely low opening region is, for example, above 0 degrees. The lower limit of the throttle valve's opening in the extremely low opening region is, for example, below 2 degrees. The upper limit of the throttle valve's opening in the extremely low opening region is, for example, below 22 degrees. The upper limit of the throttle valve's opening in the extremely low opening region can also be, for example, below 20 degrees. The control device, for example, restarts the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from the extremely low opening region to the low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 1 / 2 of its range in the extremely low opening region. The control device may also restart the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from the extremely low opening region to the low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 1 / 3 of its range in the extremely low opening region. The control device may also restart the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from the extremely low opening region to the low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 1 / 4 of its range in the extremely low opening region. The control device, for example, restarts the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from an extremely low opening region to a low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 10 degrees in the extremely low opening region. The control device, for example, restarts the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from an extremely low opening region to a low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 8 degrees in the extremely low opening region. The control device, for example, restarts the engine at least based on a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor before the throttle valve opening moves from an extremely low opening region to a low opening region and before the throttle valve opening reaches 5 degrees in the extremely low opening region. A low-opening region is, for example, the region with the second smallest upper limit of the opening range of a throttle valve within each equally divided movable region. A low-opening region is, for example, adjacent to an extremely low-opening region within the movable region of the throttle valve. The lower limit of the throttle valve opening in a low-opening region is, for example, greater than 18 degrees. The lower limit of the throttle valve opening in a low-opening region may also be, for example, greater than 20 degrees. The lower limit of the throttle valve opening in a low-opening region may also be, for example, greater than 22 degrees.

[0034] An "actuator" is, for example, an electric motor. An actuator is, for example, connected to a throttle valve. An actuator may also be connected to a throttle valve via a speed reducer. An actuator, for example, drives the throttle valve. An actuator, for example, controls the opening degree of the throttle valve. An actuator receives a signal from a control device to drive the throttle valve.

[0035] A "handlebar" is used, for example, for steering in a straddle-type vehicle. The handlebar is rotatably mounted on the vehicle body. The handlebar, viewed from above in the straddle-type vehicle, can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. If the handlebar rotates counterclockwise, the steering wheel of the straddle-type vehicle turns left; if the handlebar rotates clockwise, the steering wheel turns right. The handlebar is positioned further forward than the seat of the straddle-type vehicle. The handlebar is positioned higher than the seat of the straddle-type vehicle. The handlebar is positioned within reach of the driver's hands. The handlebar extends in the left-right direction of the straddle-type vehicle. The handlebar extends in the left-right direction, crossing the center of the straddle-type vehicle. In the left-right direction of the straddle-type vehicle, for example, one end of the handlebar is located further to the left of the center of the straddle-type vehicle, and the other end is located further to the right of the center of the straddle-type vehicle. The handlebar can simply extend in the left-right direction as a whole, or it can have a bend in the middle. For example, an accelerator manual operator can be installed at one end of the handlebar, and a grip can be installed at the other end. The handlebar can connect the accelerator manual operator and the grip.

[0036] The "accelerator manual control" is, for example, operated by the driver's hand to control the engine output. The accelerator manual control is, for example, located at the right end of the handlebar. The accelerator manual control can also be located at the left end of the handlebar. The accelerator manual control is, for example, shaped like a grip, allowing the driver to hold it. The accelerator manual control can also be shaped like a claw, allowing the driver to operate it with their fingers. That is, the accelerator manual control can be in the form of an accelerator grip or a finger throttle. The accelerator manual control is, for example, capable of rotating about the axis of the handlebar. When the accelerator manual control is rotated forward (towards the rear of a straddle-type vehicle) from the driver's perspective, it increases the throttle opening, thus increasing engine output. When the accelerator manual control is rotated inward (towards the front of a straddle-type vehicle) from the driver's perspective, it decreases the throttle opening, thus decreasing engine output. The accelerator manual control is, for example, configured to operate a specific amount from its unoperated position. When the accelerator manual actuator is not operated, the throttle valve is, for example, in its minimum opening position. When the accelerator manual actuator is operated to the upper limit of a certain amount, the throttle valve is, for example, in its maximum opening position.

[0037] An "accelerator operation detection sensor" may detect, for example, the position of the accelerator manual control. The accelerator operation detection sensor may detect the operation of the accelerator manual control by detecting its position. For example, the operation of the accelerator manual control may be detected by a direct detection unit detecting the change in position of the linkage. The accelerator operation detection sensor may detect a driver's restart request, which is equivalent to the operation of the accelerator manual control. The accelerator operation detection sensor may not detect the opening of the engine throttle valve. The accelerator operation detection sensor may send a signal indicating the detected change in position of the linkage (the operation amount of the accelerator manual control) to the control device. An accelerometer operation detection sensor is, for example, installed on the handlebar. The accelerometer operation detection sensor is, for example, installed adjacent to the accelerometer manual operation mechanism. The accelerometer operation detection sensor is, for example, located axially closer to the center of the handlebar than the accelerometer manual operation mechanism. The accelerometer operation detection sensor is, for example, located to the right of the center of the straddle-type vehicle in the lateral direction. The accelerometer operation detection sensor may also be located to the left of the center of the straddle-type vehicle in the lateral direction. The position of the linkage can be changed, for example, by rotating in conjunction with the operation of the linkage and the accelerator manual operator. The position of the linkage can also be changed, for example, by moving in conjunction with the operation of the linkage and the accelerator manual operator along a specific direction. Accelerator operation detection sensors, for example, detect the operation of the accelerator manual control as early as possible. More specifically, for example, compared to straddle-type vehicles where the throttle valve and accelerator manual control are mechanically connected and the engine is restarted based on the operation of the accelerator manual control detected by the throttle valve opening, accelerator operation detection sensors detect the operation of the accelerator manual control much earlier.

[0038] The "magnetic mechanism" is, for example, a mechanism in which the direct detection unit detects changes in the position of a linkage by utilizing changes in a magnetic field. When the direct detection unit detects changes in the position of the linkage by a magnetic mechanism, the linkage includes a magnetic field generating member that generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field generating member is, for example, a permanent magnet. In this case, the direct detection unit includes, for example, a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is, for example, a Hall element. The direct detection unit is, for example, positioned within the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member. The direct detection unit is, for example, positioned at a location capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic field generating member. The placement of the direct detection unit is not particularly limited as long as it can detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic field generating member. The direct detection unit can also be positioned, for example, in front of, behind, above, below, to the left, or to the right of the magnetic field generating member. When the position of the linkage changes, for example, the relative position of the direct detection unit and the magnetic field generating member also changes. This causes, for example, a change in the magnetic flux density detected by the direct detection unit. The direct detection unit uses the change in magnetic flux density as an operating parameter for the accelerator manual control.

[0039] A "variable resistance mechanism" is, for example, a mechanism in which a direct sensing unit detects changes in the position of a linkage by utilizing changes in resistance. A variable resistance mechanism is, for example, a potentiometer. When the direct sensing unit detects changes in the position of the linkage using a variable resistance mechanism, the linkage may include a resistive element. The direct sensing unit may include, for example, a contact member that contacts the resistive element. The contact member may be, for example, a brush. The variable resistance mechanism may be, for example, a linear type where the contact member moves linearly. Alternatively, the variable resistance mechanism may be a rotary type where the contact member rotates. When the position of the linkage changes, for example, the position of the contact member in the resistive element changes. This, for example, causes a change in the resistance value of the resistive element. The direct sensing unit detects the change in resistance value as an operating parameter for the accelerator manual operation device.

[0040] A "switching mechanism" is, for example, a mechanism in which a direct sensing unit detects changes in the position of a linkage by opening and closing a circuit. Examples of switching mechanisms include push-button, sliding, rotary, and relay types. When the direct sensing unit detects changes in the position of the linkage via a switching mechanism, the linkage may include a contact. The direct sensing unit may include a terminal that can contact or separate from the contact. When the position of the linkage changes, for example, the contact contacts or separates from the terminal, and the circuit opens or closes. This, for example, energizes or blocks the circuit (connects / disconnects). The direct sensing unit, for example, detects the connection / disconnection of the circuit as an operational quantity for the accelerator manual operation device.

[0041] "A direct detection unit that directly detects changes in the position of a connecting part" refers to a unit that detects changes in a physical quantity caused by changes in the position of a connecting part. This sentence includes not only cases where the direct detection unit directly detects changes in the position of the connecting part through physical contact, but also cases where the direct detection unit does not contact the connecting part but still directly detects changes in the physical quantity caused by changes in the position of the connecting part. For example, in variable resistor mechanisms and switching mechanisms, the resistance value and the connection / disconnection of the circuit are directly detected through physical contact between the direct detection unit and the connecting part. For example, in magnetic mechanisms, the change in the magnetic field is directly detected without contact between the direct detection unit and the connecting part.

[0042] A "gear mechanism" is, for example, a mechanism that connects the accelerometer manual operator and the linkage of the accelerometer operation detection sensor via gears. The gear mechanism, for example, transmits the operation of the accelerometer manual operator to the linkage. The gear mechanism, for example, includes a linkage gear. The linkage gear, for example, is fixed to the accelerometer manual operator. The linkage gear, for example, is linked to the operation of the accelerometer manual operator. The linkage gear, for example, rotates at an angle corresponding to the amount of operation of the accelerometer manual operator. The linkage gear, for example, transmits the operation of the accelerometer manual operator to the linkage by meshing with a gear provided in the linkage. The linkage gear, for example, may also transmit the operation of the accelerometer manual operator to the linkage via other components. The gear ratio of the linkage gear and the gear provided in the linkage may be the same or different, for example. The linkage gear, for example, has more teeth than the gear provided in the linkage.

[0043] A "linkage mechanism" is, for example, a mechanism that connects an accelerometer manual actuator and an accelerometer operation detection sensor via a linkage member. The linkage mechanism, for example, transmits the operation of the accelerometer manual actuator to the linkage member. The linkage mechanism, for example, includes a drive wheel and at least one linkage member. The drive wheel, for example, has a disc shape. The drive wheel, for example, is fixed to the accelerometer manual actuator. The drive wheel, for example, is linked to the operation of the accelerometer manual actuator. The drive wheel, for example, rotates at an angle corresponding to the amount of operation of the accelerometer manual actuator. The linkage member, for example, has a rod shape. One end of the linkage member, for example, is mounted on the disc surface of the drive wheel. One end of the linkage member, for example, is mounted at an off-center portion of the disc surface of the drive wheel. The other end of the linkage member, for example, is mounted to the linkage member. The linkage member, for example, transmits the rotation of the drive wheel based on the operation of the accelerometer manual actuator to the linkage member. There may also be multiple linkage members.

[0044] "The linkage directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator" refers to a linkage that is fixed to the accelerator manual operator without being connected to other components. When the linkage is directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator, the linkage is, for example, operated in conjunction with the accelerator manual operator. The linkage directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator may be integrally formed with the accelerator manual operator. The linkage directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator may constitute a part of the accelerator manual operator.

[0045] In the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment, the accelerator manual operator and the linkage are connected by any one of a gear mechanism, a linkage mechanism, and a direct connection, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage by any one of a magnetic mechanism, a variable resistor mechanism, and a switching mechanism. More specifically, as described below. For example, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerator manual operator via a gear mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a magnetic mechanism. Alternatively, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerator manual operator via a gear mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a variable resistor mechanism. Or, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerator manual operator via a gear mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a switching mechanism. For example, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerometer manual operator via a linkage mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a magnetic mechanism. Alternatively, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerometer manual operator via a linkage mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a variable resistor mechanism. Or, the linkage is indirectly connected to the accelerometer manual operator via a linkage mechanism, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a switching mechanism. For example, the linkage is directly fixed to the accelerometer manual operator, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a magnetic mechanism. Alternatively, the linkage is directly fixed to the accelerometer manual operator, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a variable resistor mechanism. Or, the linkage is directly fixed to the accelerometer manual operator, and the direct detection unit detects the position change of the linkage via a switching mechanism.

[0046] "Initial position" refers to, for example, the position of the linkage when the accelerator manual operator is in the fully closed position. "Adjacent area" is, for example, the movable area of ​​the linkage when the accelerator manual operation is greater than the fully closed position. Adjacent area, for example, corresponds to the movable area of ​​the linkage excluding the initial position. Adjacent area, for example, corresponds to at least a portion of the movable area of ​​the linkage excluding the initial position. The movement of the linkage from the initial position to the adjacent area is, for example, equivalent to the driver operating the accelerator manual operation to restart the engine. The accelerator operation detection sensor, for example, sends a signal indicating a change in the linkage's position to the control device when the linkage's position moves from the initial position to the adjacent area. The control device, for example, detects the signal received from the accelerator operation detection sensor indicating that the linkage's position has moved from the initial position to the adjacent area as a driver's restart request.

[0047] A "restart request" is, for example, a request to restart an engine that has stopped due to idling shutdown conditions. For example, a restart request is detected when engine combustion stops due to idling shutdown conditions. A restart request may also be the driver's intention to restart the engine. The restart request is input to a straddle-type vehicle by the driver operating the accelerator manual control. The restart request may be input to the control unit as an operation amount of the accelerator manual control. The restart request may be input to the control unit as a signal from an accelerator operation detection sensor. The restart request may be detected by the control unit. For example, a restart request is detected when the operation amount of the accelerator manual control reaches a restart value.

[0048] A "start request" is, for example, a request to start a straddle-type vehicle. For example, a start request is detected later than a restart request. For example, a start request is detected simultaneously with or after a complete engine failure. For example, a start request is detected when the engine speed is above idle speed. A start request is, for example, the driver's intention to start the straddle-type vehicle. A start request is different from, for example, a request to start the engine when the straddle-type vehicle is stationary. A start request is input to the straddle-type vehicle by the driver operating the accelerator manual control. A start request is, for example, input to the control device as the operation amount of the accelerator manual control. A start request is, for example, input to the control device as a signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor. A start request is, for example, detected by the control device. For example, a start request is detected by moving the operation amount of the accelerator manual control from the fully closed position to an adjacent area. For example, a start request is detected by the operation amount of the accelerator manual control reaching a start value. The start value may also be less than the restart value. The start value may also be the same as the restart value. The starting value can also be greater than the restart value.

[0049] The "control device" is configured, for example, to detect a restart request when the engine's combustion stops due to the establishment of an idle shutdown condition. Alternatively, the control device is configured to detect a restart request when performing idle shutdown control, which stops the engine's combustion by establishing an idle shutdown condition. Or, the control device is configured not to detect a start request when the engine's combustion stops due to the establishment of an idle shutdown condition. Finally, the control device, for example, executes restart control to restart the engine when a restart request is detected. The control device, for example, sets the engine to idle by executing restart control. The control device, for example, is configured not to detect a start request when executing restart control. The control device, for example, terminates restart control when the engine reaches idle (after complete deceleration). The control device, for example, is configured to detect a start request when idle is reached. The control device, for example, executes combustion control for driving when the engine reaches idle. Combustion control for driving is, for example, the control of the engine used to start and drive a straddle-type vehicle. In summary, the control device is configured, for example, not to detect a start request before the engine reaches idle speed. The control device is configured, for example, to determine whether the engine is in an idle state. The control device is configured, for example, to determine whether the engine has transitioned from a restart state to an idle state. The restart state, for example, refers to the state from when the engine begins combustion until it reaches idle speed. The control device determines the transition from a restart state to an idle state based on at least one parameter. The control device determines the transition based on engine speed. For example, the control device determines the engine is in a restart state when the engine speed is lower than the idle speed. The control device determines the engine is in an idle state when the engine speed is higher than the idle speed. The transition determination from a restart state to an idle state can also be based on parameters other than engine speed. For example, the control device can also determine the transition based on the time elapsed since the restart request was detected. The transition determination from a restart state to an idle state can also be based on engine speed and at least one parameter other than engine speed.

[0050] Here, "complete combustion" refers to a state where no external driving force, such as a motor, is required, and the combustion of fuel supplied to the engine is the primary drive crankshaft. "Complete combustion" also refers to the engine idling. There is no specific limit to the number of ignitions required to achieve complete combustion; it can be achieved with the first ignition, or with the second and subsequent ignitions. "Initial combustion" refers to the initial combustion of fuel after the engine begins its combustion process.

[0051] The control device is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device may include processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). The control device may also include non-volatile memory containing one or more programs that include some or all of the computational processing performed by the control device. The control device, for example, uses a processor to read and execute one or more programs recorded in non-volatile memory, either internally or externally, to stop and restart the engine. That is, the control device, for example, implements an engine idle stop function. The control device is, for example, installed in the body of a straddle-type vehicle. The control device is, for example, electrically connected to the direct detection unit of an accelerometer operation detection sensor. The control device receives, for example, a signal sent by the direct detection unit indicating the amount of position change of the linkage (the amount of operation of the accelerometer manual operator). The control device controls the engine output based on the received signal indicating the amount of position change of the linkage. The control device controls the opening of the throttle valve, for example, by controlling an actuator. That is, the straddle-type vehicle is, for example, equipped with an electronically controlled throttle valve. The straddle-type vehicle may also be equipped with a mechanically controlled throttle valve, for example, controlled by a mechanical wire connected to the accelerometer manual operator. However, even when the straddle-type vehicle is equipped with a mechanically controlled throttle valve, the control device restarts the engine based on, for example, a signal from an accelerometer operation detection sensor.

[0052] The control device, for example, controls the amount of fuel supplied to the engine. The control device, for example, controls the ignition of the fuel. The control device, for example, performs engine fuel injection and ignition when the change in position of the linkage from its initial position reaches a restart value. The restart value, for example, is a threshold value represented by the change in position of the linkage set to restart the engine from a stopped state. The restart value is not particularly limited. The restart value, for example, is smaller than the threshold value of the accelerator manual operating device used to restart the engine in a straddle-type vehicle where the throttle valve and accelerator manual operating device are mechanically connected and the engine is restarted based on the opening of the throttle valve. The restart value, for example, is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the effective detection range within the operating area of ​​the accelerator manual operating device.

[0053] The effective detection range refers to the operating area of ​​the accelerometer manual controller, specifically the range within which the accelerometer operation detection sensor can detect the operation of the accelerometer manual controller. For example, the effective detection range is the range within which the accelerometer operation detection sensor can physically detect the operation of the accelerometer manual controller. The lower limit of the effective detection range is, for example, the minimum amount of operation of the accelerometer manual controller that the accelerometer operation detection sensor can detect. The upper limit of the effective detection range is, for example, the amount of operation when the accelerometer manual controller is in the fully open position. The fully open position is, for example, the upper limit of the operating area of ​​the accelerometer manual controller. The effective detection range may include, for example, a dead zone, which is the operating area of ​​the accelerometer manual controller where the accelerometer operation detection sensor detects the operation of the accelerometer manual controller but does not change the engine output.

[0054] The range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range is the range within which the accelerometer operation detection sensor cannot detect the operation of the accelerometer manual operator. This range, for example, is the range within which the accelerometer operation detection sensor cannot physically detect the operation of the accelerometer manual operator. Specifically, for example, when the operation amount of the accelerometer manual operator is very small, the position of the linkage hardly changes; therefore, the accelerometer operation detection sensor cannot detect the operation of the accelerometer manual operator. This small operation amount range corresponds to the range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range. The range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range depends, for example, on the detection setting position of the accelerometer operation detection sensor. The range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range depends, for example, on the configuration that transmits the operation of the accelerometer manual operator to the accelerometer operation detection sensor. As an example, when the accelerometer manual operator and the linkage are connected via a gear mechanism, the range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range depends, for example, on the gear backlash. The range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range is, for example, the range between the minimum value of the fully closed position and the effective detection range within the operating area of ​​the accelerometer manual controller. The range between the fully closed position and the effective detection range does not include the operating area (dead zone) of the accelerometer manual controller where the accelerometer operation detection sensor can detect the operation of the accelerometer manual controller but does not change the engine output.

[0055] In summary, the control device is configured, for example, to restart the engine based on the operation of the accelerator manual control detected by the accelerator operation detection sensor. This shortens the operation period of the accelerator manual control from when the driver starts to manually operate the accelerator manual control in the fully closed position until the amount of operation of the accelerator manual control reaches the restart value within the effective detection range, thus restarting the engine. The aforementioned accelerometer operation detection sensor is indirectly connected to or directly fixed to the accelerometer manual operator and linkage via a gear mechanism or linkage mechanism, and The operation of the accelerator manual operator can be detected as early as possible by using a direct detection unit to detect changes in the position of the linkage through a magnetic mechanism, a variable resistance mechanism, or a switching mechanism.

[0056] The shorter operation period of the accelerator manual control refers to, for example, a shorter operation period of the accelerator manual control from the moment the driver starts manually operating the fully closed position until the engine starts restarting, compared to a straddle-type vehicle where the throttle valve and the accelerator manual control are mechanically connected and the engine restarts based on the throttle valve opening.

[0057] For example, after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition, the control device, through the starter motor, applies rotational resistance to the crankshaft as it rotates forward. That is, the control device, for example, provides braking force to the crankshaft through the starter motor, stopping the crankshaft at a specific crank angle position. The control device, for example, applies rotational resistance to the crankshaft rotating forward due to inertia. For example, forward rotation of the crankshaft refers to the rotation of the crankshaft in the direction of rotation during engine combustion. For example, forward rotation refers to the crankshaft rotating in the manner in which the engine sequentially repeats the intake, compression, expansion, and exhaust strokes. The control device, for example, applies rotational resistance to the crankshaft by stopping the power to the starter motor. The control device may also apply rotational resistance to the crankshaft by short-circuiting the starter motor (its windings). For example, after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition, the control device can apply a force in the forward direction to the crankshaft via the starter motor when the crankshaft is rotating forward. That is, the control device can apply a force in the forward direction to the crankshaft that is rotating forward due to inertia, thereby rotating the crankshaft to a specific crank angle position. For example, after the engine combustion stops due to idling shutdown conditions, the control device can, when the crankshaft is rotating forward, apply a force in the opposite direction of rotation to the crankshaft via the starter motor. That is, the control device, for example, applies a force in the opposite direction of rotation to the crankshaft that is rotating forward due to inertia, to provide braking force and stop the crankshaft at a specific crank angle position. The reverse rotation of the crankshaft, for example, refers to the crankshaft rotating in the opposite direction to its forward rotation. The control device, for example, can also apply rotational resistance to the crankshaft via a starter motor after the engine combustion has stopped due to the idling shutdown condition. That is, the control device, for example, provides braking force to the crankshaft via the starter motor to maintain the crankshaft's stopped position. The control device, for example, can energize the starter motor to keep the crankshaft stationary. For example, after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition, the control device can, when the crankshaft stops, apply a forward rotational force to the crankshaft via the starter motor. That is, the control device, for example, causes the stopped crankshaft to rotate forward and to a specific crank angle position. For example, after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition, the control device can, when the crankshaft stops, apply a force in the opposite direction of rotation to the crankshaft via the starter motor. That is, the control device can, for example, cause the stopped crankshaft to rotate in the opposite direction and rotate it to a specific crank angle position. There is no particular limitation on the specific crank angle position. For example, a specific crank angle position could also be the crank angle position corresponding to the expansion stroke. For example, a specific crank angle position could also be the crank angle position corresponding to the exhaust stroke. For example, a specific crank angle position could also be the crank angle position corresponding to the intake stroke. For example, a specific crank angle position could also be the crank angle position corresponding to the compression stroke. Furthermore, the control device, for example, detects a restart request after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition, causing the crankshaft to move to a specific crank angle position. Alternatively, the control device may detect a restart request while the crankshaft is moving after the engine combustion stops due to the idling shutdown condition. In this case, the control device, for example, executes control to rotate the crankshaft forward as long as the crankshaft is in a position where the engine can be restarted.

[0058] For example, when the control device detects, based on a signal from an accelerometer-based operation detection sensor, that the position of the linkage has moved from its initial position to an adjacent area (when the restart condition is met), it restarts the engine by rotating the stopped crankshaft using a starter motor. However, the control device may also restart the engine by rotating the crankshaft midway through the process of applying resistance or force by the starter motor, or after applying resistance or force but before it stops. The control device may also restart the engine by rotating the forward-rotating crankshaft using a starter motor. The control device may also restart the engine by rotating the reverse-rotating crankshaft using a starter motor.

[0059] For example, when the control device detects, based on a signal from an accelerometer-based operation detection sensor, that the position of the linkage has moved from its initial position to an adjacent region (when the restart condition is met), it accelerates at least a portion of the forward rotation of the crankshaft, initiated by the starter motor, within the run-up zone. The control device may also accelerate at least a portion of the forward rotation of the crankshaft, initiated by the starter motor, within the run-up zone without causing the crankshaft to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0060] A starter motor is, for example, a permanent magnet three-phase brushless motor. A starter motor may be mounted directly or indirectly on the crankshaft. A "starter generator" is, for example, a device that functions as both a starter motor and a generator. A starter generator, for example, has the following two functions: it rotates the crankshaft to start or restart the engine, and it is driven by the engine to generate electricity during combustion. A starter generator, for example, rotates the crankshaft to start or restart the engine. A starter generator, for example, is driven by the engine to generate electricity during combustion. A starter generator is, for example, a permanent magnet three-phase brushless motor / generator. A starter generator includes, for example, a rotor and a stator. The starter generator can be of the external rotor type or the internal rotor type. The rotor includes, for example, at least one permanent magnet. The stator includes, for example, at least one conductive winding. The stator is configured such that an induced electromotive force is generated in the winding by the rotation of the rotor. The starter generator is connected to the crankshaft, for example, without a speed reducer. More specifically, the rotor is connected directly to the crankshaft, for example. In this case, the rotor rotates, for example, at the same speed as the crankshaft. The starter generator can also be connected to the crankshaft, for example, via a speed reducer. However, even in this case, the rotor rotates, for example, at a fixed speed ratio with the crankshaft. The starter generator is connected, for example, in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the crankshaft at a fixed speed ratio.

[0061] The control device, for example, controls both the engine and the starter generator by using signals from an accelerator operation detection sensor, based on signals from a series of operations performed by the driver on the accelerator manual control. This restarts the engine, increasing its output, and drives the starter generator, adding its output to the engine output. Alternatively, the control device may also control both the engine and starter generator based on signals other than those from the accelerator operation detection sensor. These other signals could include, for example, intake air volume and engine temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0062] According to the present invention, deviations caused by the driver's deviation in the operating speed of the accelerator manual control until the engine restarts can be suppressed. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0063] Figure 1(A) is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and a diagram showing the handlebar, accelerator manual operator, and accelerator operation detection sensor. Figure 1(B) is a diagram used to explain the restart request and start request in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 1(C) is a diagram showing the relationship between the accelerator manual operator, accelerator operation detection sensor, and throttle valve in the restart control process and the combustion action control process for driving in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 2(A) is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and a diagram showing the handlebar, accelerator manual operation device, accelerator operation detection sensor and crankshaft. Figure 2(B) is a block diagram of the accelerator manual operation device, accelerator operation detection sensor and control device in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 2(C) is a diagram showing the relationship between the crank angle and the required torque in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment in a schematic way. Figure 3(A) shows the accelerator manual operator and accelerator operation detection sensor connected by a gear mechanism in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 3(B) shows the position change of the linkage in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 4 shows the accelerator manual operator and accelerator operation detection sensor connected by a linkage mechanism in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the accelerator operation detection sensor directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the operating area of ​​the manual accelerator operator in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the actual operation amount of the accelerator manual control in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and the operation amount of the accelerator manual control detected by the accelerator operation detection sensor. Figure 8(A) is a diagram showing the response time of the throttle valve to the operation of the accelerator operator in a previous straddle-type vehicle where the accelerator operator and the throttle valve are connected by a mechanical wire. Figure 8(B) is a diagram showing the deviation caused by the operating speed of the accelerator operator in a previous straddle-type vehicle until the engine is restarted. Implementation

[0064] Hereinafter, a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples. The present invention is to be interpreted without being limited by the embodiments described below. In the drawings, the letters "F", "B", "U", "D", "L", and "R" respectively refer to the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right sides of the straddle-type vehicle.

[0065] Figure 1(A) is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and a diagram showing the handlebars, accelerator manual operation device, and accelerator operation detection sensor. The straddle-type vehicle 1 is a scooter-type motorcycle. The straddle-type vehicle 1 includes an engine 10, handlebars 20, accelerator manual operation device 30, accelerator operation detection sensor 40, and control device 50.

[0066] Engine 10 is a single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Engine 10 has a crankshaft 101. Handlebar 20 is used for steering the straddle-type vehicle 1. Accelerator manual operation 30 is located at the right end of handlebar 20. Accelerator manual operation 30 is operated by the driver to control the output of engine 10. Accelerator operation detection sensor 40 detects the operation of accelerator manual operation 30.

[0067] Figure 1(B) is a diagram illustrating the restart request and start request in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. The control device 50 detects both a request to restart the engine (i.e., a restart request) that has stopped due to idling shutdown conditions and a request to start the straddle-type vehicle (i.e., a start request). The control device 50 detects the restart request before detecting the start request. The restart request is a different request from the start request and is set earlier than the start request. When the control device 50 detects the restart request, it initiates the engine restart operation before detecting the start request.

[0068] More specifically, when the control device 50 detects a restart request, it executes restart control of the engine 10 until it completely detonates. When the restart control is executed, the engine 10 begins combustion. The control device 50 terminates the restart control when the engine 10 reaches idle speed. Subsequently, when a start request is detected, the control device 50 executes combustion control for driving. When the combustion control for driving is executed, the engine 10 is controlled according to the operation amount of the accelerator manual operator 30, that is, according to the signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor 40.

[0069] Figure 1(C) illustrates the relationship between the accelerator manual operator, accelerator operation detection sensor, and throttle valve during the restart control and combustion operation control processes of the straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment. First, consider the state where the engine 10 stops due to the idling shutdown condition. Assume that in this state, the driver operates the accelerator manual operator 30 with an operation amount A2 and maintains the operation amount at A2. The accelerator operation detection sensor 40 detects the operation amount A2 as a value V3. Value V3 is greater than the threshold V2 required to restart the engine. Therefore, the control device 50 recognizes that a restart request has been input. The control device 50 executes restart control.

[0070] When restart control is executed, the control device 50 controls the throttle valve independently of the accelerator manual operator. In this example, the control device 50 sets the throttle valve opening to a fixed value when restart control is executed. However, the control device 50 can also change the throttle valve opening when restart control is executed. In short, the control device 50 is configured to prevent the accelerator manual operator 30 from operating in conjunction with the throttle valve located in the intake manifold of the engine 10 when restart control is executed.

[0071] After the engine 10 reaches initial detonation, it reaches complete detonation after the initial detonation. That is, the engine 10's RPM reaches idle speed. The control device 50 ends the restart control and executes combustion control for driving. When executing combustion control for driving, the control device 50 controls the throttle valve opening based on the operation amount of the accelerator manual actuator. That is, the control device 50 is configured to link the accelerator manual actuator 30 and the throttle valve when executing combustion control for driving. At this time, the operation amount of the accelerator manual actuator 30 remains A3. Therefore, the control device 50 controls the throttle valve in a manner that corresponds to the throttle valve opening B3 of the accelerator manual actuator 30's operation amount A3.

[0072] Figure 1(A) is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and a diagram showing the handlebar, accelerator manual operator, accelerator operation detection sensor, and crankshaft. Figure 2(B) is a block diagram of the accelerator manual operator, accelerator operation detection sensor, and control device in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. The accelerator operation detection sensor 40 includes a linkage 401 and a direct detection 402. The linkage 401 is indirectly connected to the accelerator manual operator 30 via a gear mechanism, without mechanical wires, thereby linking its operation with that of the accelerator manual operator 30. However, the linkage 401 may also be indirectly connected or directly fixed via a linkage mechanism. [At] the accelerator manual operator 30, thereby linking the operation of the accelerator manual operator 30. The direct detection unit 402 is fixed to the handle 20. The direct detection unit 402 uses a magnetic mechanism to directly detect the position change of the linkage unit 401. However, the direct detection unit 402 can also use a variable resistor mechanism or a switching mechanism to directly detect the position change of the linkage unit 401. The direct detection unit 402 detects that the position of the linkage unit 401 has changed from the initial position when the accelerator manual operator 30 is not operated to an adjacent area adjacent to the initial position. The direct detection unit 402 detects the operation amount of the accelerator manual operator 30 by detecting the position change of the linkage unit 401. The direct detection unit 402 sets the detected operation amount of the accelerator manual operator 30 as the accelerator command value (accelerator command signal) and sends it to the control device 50.

[0073] The control device 50 is electrically connected to the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 and the starter motor 52. The starter motor 52 is connected to the crankshaft 101 of the engine 10. The control device 50 restarts the engine 10, which is in a stopped state due to the idling shutdown condition, by means of the starter motor 52.

[0074] Figure 2(C) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the crank angle and the required torque in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. In the figure, the required torque Ta for rotating the crankshaft in the forward direction is represented by a solid line, and the required torque Tb for rotating the crankshaft in the reverse direction is represented by a dashed line. The lower part of the figure shows the position of the crankshaft rotated by the starter motor before the control device detects the restart request. (i) shows the case where the starter motor rotates the crankshaft in the forward direction, causing the position of the crankshaft to move. (ii) shows the case where the starter motor rotates the crankshaft in the reverse direction, causing the position of the crankshaft to move.

[0075] In case (i), after the idling shutdown condition is met and the combustion action of the engine 10 stops, the forward-rotating crankshaft 101, upon passing position P1, experiences rotational resistance from the starter motor 52 and stops at position P2 during the expansion stroke. When the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 detects that the position of the linkage 401 has moved from its initial position to an adjacent region (the restart condition is met), the control device 50 uses the starter motor 52 to cause the crankshaft 101, which is stopped at position P2, to rotate forward. The crankshaft 101 accelerates in the run-up zone L1, which includes the remaining range of the expansion stroke, the exhaust stroke, and the intake stroke, and passes the top dead center of compression (720 degrees in crank angle). This restarts the engine 10.

[0076] In case (ii), after the idle stop condition is met and the combustion action of the engine 10 stops, the forward-rotating crankshaft 101 stops at position P3 during the intake stroke. Before detecting a restart request, the control device 50 causes the crankshaft 101, which is stopped at position P3, to rotate in the reverse direction and return to position P4 during the expansion stroke. Subsequently, when the control device 50 detects a restart request, it causes the crankshaft 101, which is stopped at position P4, to rotate forward by the starter motor 52. The crankshaft 101 accelerates in the run-up range L2, which includes the remaining range of the expansion stroke, the exhaust stroke, and the intake stroke, and passes the top dead center of the compression stroke (720 degrees in crank angle). This restarts the engine 10.

[0077] Figure 3(A) shows the accelerator manual operator and accelerator operation detection sensor connected by a gear mechanism in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 3(A) is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the axis including the handlebar 20. The accelerator manual operator 30 includes a tubular guide 301 and a grip 302. The tubular guide 301 is cylindrical. The handlebar 20 is inserted inside the tubular guide 301. The tubular guide 301 is configured to rotate about the axis of the handlebar 20. The grip 302 is cylindrical and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the tubular guide 301. The grip 302 is held and operated by the driver's hand.

[0078] The gear mechanism 60 includes a linkage gear 601. The linkage gear 601 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a spur gear. The linkage gear 601 has a protrusion that engages with a slot provided at the end of the tubular guide 301. The linkage gear 601 rotates in conjunction with the tubular guide 301. The linkage gear 601 is housed in a housing 602. The housing 602 is positioned closer to the center of the straddle-type vehicle 1 in the left-right direction than the handlebar 302. The housing 602 houses the end of the tubular guide 301, the linkage gear 601, and the accelerator operation detection sensor 40.

[0079] The linkage 401 in the accelerometer operation detection sensor 40 includes a main body 4011 and at least one permanent magnet 4012. The main body 4011 has a gear shape. The main body 4011 is configured to mesh with a linkage gear 601. The main body 4011 rotates in conjunction with the linkage gear 601. That is, the main body 4011 rotates in conjunction with the accelerometer manual operator 30. The permanent magnet 4012 is fixed to the main body 4011. When viewed along the rotation axis of the accelerometer manual operator 30, the permanent magnet 4012 has an arc shape centered on the rotation axis of the accelerometer manual operator 30. The magnetization direction of the permanent magnet 4012 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be along the radial direction of the accelerometer manual operator 30.

[0080] The direct detection unit 402 of the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 includes a Hall element 4021 and a substrate 4022. The Hall element 4021 is, for example, disposed to the left of the linkage unit 401. The Hall element 4021 is spaced apart from the linkage unit 401. The Hall element 4021 is disposed within the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4012. The Hall element 4021 outputs a voltage proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet 4012. The Hall element 4021 is mounted on the substrate 4022. The substrate 4022 is electrically connected to the control device 50. The magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet 4012 detected by the Hall element 4021 is transmitted to the control device 50 via the substrate 4022.

[0081] The Hall element 4021 and the permanent magnet 4012 constitute the magnetic mechanism 80. The direct detection unit 402 detects the position change of the linkage unit 401 via the magnetic mechanism 80. More specifically, when the accelerometer manual operator 30 is operated, the permanent magnet 4012 rotates in conjunction with it. When the permanent magnet 4012 rotates, the magnetic field around the Hall element 4021 changes, thereby changing the magnetic flux density detected by the Hall element 4021.

[0082] Figure 3(B) is a diagram showing the positional change of the linkage in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. When the accelerator manual operation device 30 is not operated, the linkage 401 is located at the initial position X1. When the accelerator manual operation device 30 is operated, the position of the linkage 401 moves to the adjacent region X2 adjacent to the initial position X1. Herein, the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 detects that the position of the linkage 401 has changed.

[0083] Figure 4 shows the accelerator manual operator and accelerator operation detection sensor connected by a linkage mechanism in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a view of the accelerator manual operator 30 and accelerator operation detection sensor 40 taken along the axial direction of the handlebar 20. Hereinafter, descriptions of the same configuration as in Figure 3 will be omitted. The linkage mechanism 70 includes a drive wheel 701 and a linkage member 702. The drive wheel 701 has a disc shape. The drive wheel 701 has a protrusion that engages with a groove provided at the end of the tubular guide of the accelerator manual operator 30. The drive wheel 701 rotates in conjunction with the accelerator manual operator 30.

[0084] The linkage 401 in the accelerometer operation detection sensor 40 has a disc shape. The linkage 401 includes at least one permanent magnet 4012. The linkage 401 is disposed below the drive wheel 701. The linkage 401 is configured such that it does not overlap with the drive wheel 701 when viewed along the axial direction of the handle 20. The linkage 401 is not directly connected to the drive wheel 701.

[0085] The connecting rod member 702 has a rod shape. The connecting rod member 702 connects the driving wheel 701 and the linkage part 401. One end of the connecting rod member 702 is mounted on the disc surface 7011 of the driving wheel 701. Another end of the connecting rod member 702 is mounted at a position off-center from the driving wheel 701. The other end of the connecting rod member 702 is mounted on the disc surface 4013 of the linkage part 401. The other end of the connecting rod member 702 is mounted at a position off-center from the linkage part 401. The connecting rod member 702 transmits the rotation of the driving wheel 701 to the linkage part 401. The connecting rod member 702 causes the linkage part 401 to rotate in conjunction with the driving wheel 701.

[0086] Figure 5 shows the accelerator operation detection sensor directly fixed to the accelerator manual operator in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the plane including the axis of the handlebar 20. Hereinafter, the same configuration as in Figure 3 will be omitted from the description. When the accelerator manual operator 30 and the linkage 401 are directly fixed, the linkage 401 is mounted on the tubular guide 301 of the accelerator manual operator 30. The linkage 401 rotates in conjunction with the accelerator manual operator 30. Thereby, the permanent magnet 4012 contained in the linkage 401 also rotates in conjunction with the accelerator manual operator 30.

[0087] In the above description, the configuration of the direct detection unit 402 detecting the position change of the linkage 401 via the magnetic mechanism 80 has been explained. However, the configuration of the direct detection unit 402 for detecting the position change of the linkage 401 is not limited to this. The direct detection unit 402 may also detect the position change of the linkage 401 via a variable resistor mechanism or a switching mechanism. The variable resistor mechanism is configured such that the resistance value changes with the position change of the linkage 401. The variable resistor mechanism is, for example, a potentiometer. The switching mechanism is configured such that the switch is turned on or off as the position of the linkage 401 changes.

[0088] Figure 6 shows the operating area of ​​the accelerator manual operator in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. The operating area of ​​the accelerator manual operator 30 includes the fully closed position R0 when the accelerator manual operator 30 is not operated, and the effective detection range R1 for the direct detection unit 402 to detect the operation amount of the accelerator manual operator 30. The range R2 between the fully closed position R0 and the effective detection range R1 is the range in which the direct detection unit 402 cannot detect the operation amount of the accelerator manual operator 30 even when it is operated.

[0089] According to the straddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, compared with vehicles where the accelerator manual operator and throttle valve are connected by a mechanical wire, the range R2 between the fully closed position R0 and the effective detection range R1 is shorter. Therefore, the operation period of the accelerator manual operator 30 from when the driver begins to manually operate the fully closed position R0 until the amount of operation of the accelerator manual operator 30 reaches the restart value included in the effective detection range R1 and the engine 10 starts to restart is shortened.

[0090] Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the actual operation amount of the accelerator manual control in the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment and the operation amount of the accelerator manual control detected by the accelerator operation detection sensor. The solid lines in the figure represent data from the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment, and the dashed lines represent data from a comparative example. The comparative example shows the relationship between the actual operation amount of the accelerator manual control in the straddle-type vehicle and the operation amount of the accelerator manual control calculated based on the throttle valve opening. In the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle, the engine is restarted by operating the accelerator manual control connected to the throttle valve of the engine mounted on the vehicle body via a mechanical wire. The horizontal axis in the figure represents the actual operation amount of the accelerator manual control, and the vertical axis represents the operation amount of the accelerator manual control detected by each sensor.

[0091] In the comparative example (dashed line) straddle-type vehicle, to eliminate the influence of handlebar steering, the mechanical cable connecting the throttle valve and the accelerator manual control is relaxed when the handlebar is not steered. Therefore, even if the accelerator manual control is slightly operated from the fully closed position, the operation amount is absorbed by the relaxation, and the throttle valve does not operate. When the accelerator manual control is operated from the fully closed position to a certain threshold, the relaxation is eliminated, and the throttle valve operates. In the comparative example straddle-type vehicle, the operation amount of the accelerator manual control is determined based on the detection result of the throttle opening sensor; therefore, the operation amount of the accelerator manual control is not detected until it exceeds a certain threshold.

[0092] On the other hand, in the straddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment (solid line), the operation amount of the accelerator manual operation device 30 for engine restart is not determined based on the throttle valve opening, but is directly detected by the accelerator operation detection sensor 40. Furthermore, the linkage 401 in the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 is indirectly connected to or directly fixed to the accelerator manual operation device 30 via a gear mechanism or linkage mechanism. Gear mechanisms, linkage mechanisms, and direct connections are less affected by the steering of the handlebar, and easily transmit the operation amount of the accelerator manual operation device 30 to the accelerator operation detection sensor 40. Therefore, the range R2 between the fully closed position R0 and the effective detection range R1 can be reduced or become zero, and the accelerator operation detection sensor 40 can detect even minute operations of the accelerator manual operation device 30. With this configuration, the control device 50 can detect the driver's restart request reflected in the operation of the accelerator manual operation device 30 as early as possible. By utilizing this configuration to restart the engine from a stopped state, the engine can be restarted with a smaller amount of operation of the accelerator manual control 30. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can suppress deviations in the time until the engine restarts caused by deviations in the driver's operating speed of the accelerator manual control 30.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a dead zone R10 is provided in the operating area of ​​the accelerator manual operator 30. The operating amount of the accelerator manual operator 30 that restarts the engine 10, i.e., the restart value V2, is set by the control device 50 to the minimum operating amount of the accelerator manual operator 30 within the throttle valve operating range R11. The throttle valve operating range R11 is the range exceeding the dead zone R10 within the effective detection range R1. However, the straddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment is not limited to this. In the straddle-type vehicle 1, the dead zone R10 may not be provided.

[0094] The above description describes the configuration of the straddle-type vehicle 1 with a starter motor 52. However, the starter motor 52 can also be a starter generator. The starter generator can also assist the output of the engine 10.

[0095] 1: Straddle-type vehicle 10: Engine 20: Handle bar 30: Accelerator Manual Operator 40: Accelerator Operation Detection Sensor 50: Control device 52: Start the motor 60: Gear Mechanism 70: Linkage Mechanism 80: Magnetic Mechanism 101: Crankshaft 301: Tubular guide 302: Grip 401: Linkage Department 402: Direct Inspection Department 601: Linkage Gear 602: Housing 701: Drive Wheel 702: Linkage Member 4011:Ontology Department 4012: Permanent magnet 4013: Disc face 4021: Hall element 4022:Substrate 7011: Disc-shaped A1: Specific quantity A3: Operational volume B: Rear of straddle-type vehicles B3: Throttling valve opening D: Below straddle-type vehicles F: Forward of straddle-type vehicles L: Left side of straddle-type vehicles L1: Approach Zone L2: Approach Zone P1: Location P2: Location P3: Location P4: Location R: Right side of straddle-type vehicles R0: Fully closed position R1: Effective detection range R2: Range R10: Dead Zone R11: Throttling valve operating range Ta: Required torque Tb: Required torque U: Above straddle-type vehicles V1: Specific value V2: Threshold V3: Value X1: Initial position X2: Adjacent region

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising: an engine having a crankshaft; a handlebar for steering; an accelerator manual operation device disposed on the handlebar for manual operation by a driver to control the output of the engine; and a control device for restarting the engine, which is in a stopped state due to an idle stop condition, by means of a starter motor; wherein the straddle-type vehicle further comprises an accelerator operation detection sensor disposed on the handlebar for detecting operation of the accelerator manual operation device; and wherein the control device, before detecting a start request that would cause the straddle-type vehicle to start and is input as a signal of the accelerator operation detection sensor, detects a different start request that would cause the engine, which is stopped due to an idle stop condition, to restart and is input as a signal of the accelerator operation detection sensor, and initiates the engine restart operation before detecting the start request. Based on the signal from the aforementioned accelerometer operation detection sensor, both the aforementioned start request and the aforementioned restart request set earlier than the aforementioned start request are detected. The aforementioned accelerometer operation detection sensor is installed on the aforementioned handlebar. When the aforementioned accelerometer manual operation device is detected, before the aforementioned start request is detected, and the aforementioned restart request is detected based on the signal from the aforementioned accelerometer operation detection sensor installed on the aforementioned handlebar, restart control is executed to control the aforementioned engine until it completely explodes.

2. As in the straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control device, after the combustion of the engine stops due to the aforementioned idle stop condition, applies rotational resistance, a force in the forward direction of rotation, or a force in the reverse direction of rotation to the crankshaft by means of the starter motor when the crankshaft is rotating forward or stopped, moves the position of the crankshaft before detecting the aforementioned restart request, and after detecting the aforementioned restart request based on the signal of the accelerator operation detection sensor provided on the handlebar, executes control to rotate the crankshaft forward instead of executing control to rotate it in reverse, thereby restarting the engine.

3. As in claim 1 or 2, in the straddle-type vehicle, the aforementioned accelerator operation detection sensor comprises: a linkage that is indirectly connected to or directly fixed to the aforementioned accelerator manual operator via a gear mechanism or linkage mechanism without mechanical wires, thereby linking with the operation of the aforementioned accelerator manual operator; and a direct detection unit fixed to the aforementioned handlebar, which directly detects the position change of the aforementioned linkage using a magnetic mechanism, a variable resistor mechanism, or a switching mechanism; and detects that the position of the aforementioned linkage has moved from the initial position of the aforementioned linkage when the aforementioned accelerator manual operator is not operated to an adjacent area adjacent to the aforementioned initial position. The aforementioned control device restarts the engine as one of the conditions based on the detection that the position of the aforementioned linkage has moved from the aforementioned initial position to the aforementioned adjacent area based on the signal from the aforementioned accelerator operation detection sensor. The aforementioned accelerator operation detection sensor is disposed on the aforementioned handlebar and is connected to the aforementioned accelerator manual operator without mechanical wires.

4. In the straddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the starter motor is a starter generator with a power generation function, the control device, before detecting the start request, initiates the engine restart operation based on the signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar when the restart request is detected, and performs initial detonation assist control, wherein the initial detonation assist control controls the starter motor for at least a portion of the period from the detection of the restart request to the initial detonation of the engine, so as to drive the starter motor and add the output of the starter motor to the output of the engine.

5. In the straddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the starter motor is a starter generator with a power generation function, the control device, before detecting the start request, initiates the engine restart operation based on the signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar when the restart request is detected, and performs a complete explosion assist control, wherein the complete explosion assist control controls the starter motor for at least a portion of the period from the initial explosion of the engine to the complete explosion of the engine, so as to drive the starter motor and add the output of the starter motor to the output of the engine.

6. For straddle-type vehicles as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein the control device performs driving combustion control when the start request is detected based on a signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor provided on the handlebar, the driving combustion control controlling the engine in such a way that the accelerator manual operator is linked to a throttle valve provided on the intake manifold of the engine.

7. As in claim 1, the straddle-type vehicle, wherein the control device, before detecting the start request, detects the restart request based on a signal from the accelerator operation detection sensor installed on the handlebar, performs the restart control in a manner that prevents the accelerator manual operator from being linked to the throttle valve installed in the engine's intake manifold.

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