Throttle device and assembly method thereof

Abstract

Provided are a throttle device and an assembly method thereof capable of reducing, regardless of the configuration or the presence or absence of a magnetic shielding member, influence on magnetism of a magnet interlocking with an operating means, even if a magnetic pole of an external magnet is brought closer from the outside of the device when the operating means is in an initial position.　This throttle device comprises: a rotary member 3 that rotates in conjunction with a throttle grip G; a magnetic sensor 5 that detects a magnetic change in a magnet m due to the rotation of the rotary member 3, and detects a rotation angle of the rotary member 3; and a case member 1 that rotatably holds an interlocking member 2 and the rotary member 3. When the throttle grip G is in the initial position, the magnet m is positioned such that a direction M1 of a magnetic field of the magnet m relative to the magnetic sensor 5 is oriented in a specific direction, the specific direction being substantially the same as or substantially opposite to a direction M2 of a magnetic field from an external magnet Q relative to the magnetic sensor 5 when a magnetic pole of the external magnet Q is located at a predetermined magnetic shielding position A1.

Description

Throttle Device and Assembly Method Thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a throttle device in which a drive source of a vehicle is controlled based on an operation angle of an operation means, and an assembly method thereof.

[0002] In recent motorcycles, a configuration in which the rotation operation angle of a throttle grip (operation means) is electrically detected by a sensor and the detected value is sent as an electric signal to an electronic control device or the like mounted on the motorcycle has become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, based on such a detection signal, the electronic control device performs a predetermined calculation, and based on the calculation result, a drive source of a vehicle such as an engine or a motor is controlled.

[0003] Such a conventional throttle device includes an interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with an operation means, a rotating member to which a magnet is attached and that rotates together with the magnet according to the rotation angle of the interlocking member, and a detection means that detects a magnetic change of the magnet accompanying the rotation of the rotating member and detects the rotation angle (operation amount) of the operation means. Further, in the conventional throttle device, a magnetic shielding member made of a magnetic material is attached around the detection means to shield external magnetic fields and suppress the influence on the detection means.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-96345

[0005] However, in the above conventional throttle device, if it is desired to more reliably shield external magnetic fields from the detection means, it is necessary to make the magnetic shielding member have a more airtight structure, which results in an increase in manufacturing costs. In particular, when the operation means is in the initial position where it is not operated, it is necessary to reliably shield external magnetic fields from the detection means.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a throttle device and an assembly method thereof that can suppress the influence on the magnetism of a magnet that interlocks with an operation means even when the magnetic pole of an external magnet is brought close to the outside of the device, regardless of the configuration or presence or absence of a magnetic shielding member, when the operation means is in the initial position.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a throttle device comprising: an operating means capable of throttle operation; an interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the operating means; a magnet that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member; a detection means for detecting a magnetic change caused by the rotation of the magnet and for detecting the rotation angle of the magnet; and a case member to which the detection means is attached and which rotatably holds the interlocking member, wherein the amount of operation of the operating means is detected based on the rotation angle of the magnet detected by the detection means, and the drive source of the vehicle is controlled, wherein when the operating means is in an initial position, the magnet is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet with respect to the detection means is a specific direction, and the specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of an external magnet with respect to the detection means when the magnetic pole of an external magnet is located at a predetermined shielding position where shielding from outside the device is required.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the throttle device described in claim 1, the magnetic shielding position is set to a position in which the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic pole of the external magnet is maximum.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the throttle device described in claim 1, the magnetic shielding position is set to a position in which the distance from the outer surface of the device to the detection means is minimized.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic shielding member located around the detection means and capable of shielding from magnetism from outside the device, wherein the magnetic shielding position is set to a position in which the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic poles of the external magnet located outside the magnetic shielding member is maximum.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating member to which the magnet is attached and which rotates together with the magnet in accordance with the rotation angle of the interlocking member, wherein the rotating member holds the magnet while positioning it in the specific orientation.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is a throttle device according to claim 5, wherein the rotating member is configured to have a gear portion that meshes with a gear formed on the interlocking member and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the gear portion, and the magnet is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion while being positioned.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is a method for assembling a throttle device comprising: an operating means capable of throttle operation; an interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the operating means; a magnet that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member; a detection means for detecting a magnetic change caused by the rotation of the magnet and detecting the rotation angle of the magnet; and a case member to which the detection means is attached and which rotatably holds the interlocking member, wherein the amount of operation of the operating means is detected based on the rotation angle of the magnet detected by the detection means, and the drive source of the vehicle is controlled, wherein when the operating means is in an initial position, the magnet is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet with respect to the detection means is a specific direction, and the specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of an external magnet with respect to the detection means when the magnetic pole of an external magnet is located at a predetermined shielding position where shielding from outside the device is required.

[0014] According to the invention of claims 1 and 7, when the operating means is in its initial position, the magnet is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet with respect to the detection means is a specific direction. This specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet with respect to the detection means when the magnetic pole of the external magnet is located at a predetermined shielding position where shielding from outside the device is required. Therefore, regardless of the configuration or presence of the magnetic shielding member, when the operating means is in its initial position, even if the magnetic pole of the external magnet is brought close from outside the device, the influence on the magnetism of the magnet that is linked to the operating means can be suppressed.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 2, the magnetic shielding position is set to the position where the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic poles of the external magnet is maximum. Therefore, the position most vulnerable to magnetism from the external magnet can be set as the magnetic shielding position, and magnetic shielding by the external magnet can be reliably performed when the operating means is in its initial position.

[0016] According to the invention of claim 3, the magnetic shielding position is set to the position where the distance from the outer surface of the device to the detection means is minimized. Therefore, the magnetic shielding position can be set to the position that is most vulnerable to magnetism from an external magnet in terms of the device's layout, and magnetic shielding by the external magnet can be reliably performed when the operating means is in its initial position.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 4, the device is equipped with a magnetic shielding member located around the detection means that can shield against magnetism from outside the device, and the shielding position is set to the position where the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic poles of an external magnet located outside the magnetic shielding member is maximum. Therefore, considering the shielding performance of the magnetic shielding member, the position that is most vulnerable to magnetism from the external magnet can be set as the shielding position, and magnetic shielding by the external magnet can be reliably performed when the operating means is in its initial position.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 5, the device includes a rotating member to which a magnet is attached, which rotates together with the magnet according to the rotation angle of the interlocking member, and the rotating member holds the magnet while positioning it in a specific orientation, so that the rotating member can be given a positioning function for the magnet and hold it in place.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 6, the rotating member is configured to have a gear portion that meshes with a gear formed on the interlocking member, and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the gear portion, and a magnet is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion while being positioned, so that the magnet can be reliably held while being precisely positioned by the cylindrical portion of the rotating member.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an external view of a throttle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the main components of the throttle device. Figure 5 shows a three-view drawing of the throttle operation detection unit of the throttle device. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the throttle operation detection unit with the cover member removed. Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of some components of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of some components of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 11 shows a three-view drawing of the case member of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 11 shows a three-view drawing of the rotating member of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 11 shows a three-view drawing of the substrate on which the magnetic sensor (detection means) of the throttle operation detection unit is formed. Figure 21 shows a two-view drawing of the cover member of the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 31 shows a two-view drawing of a side component of the magnetic shielding member in the throttle operation detection unit. Figure 42 shows a bottom component of the magnetic shielding member in the throttle operation detection unit. Three-view drawing showing the locking member in the throttle operation detection unit. Schematic diagram and graph to explain the change in magnetic field direction accompanying the rotation of the magnet in the throttle device. Schematic diagram showing the magnetic shielding position and candidate positions of the throttle device. Schematic diagram and graph to explain the change in magnetic field direction when the magnetic field direction of the magnet in the throttle device is set to a specific direction (approximately opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet) and the magnetic pole of the external magnet is positioned at the magnetic shielding position. Schematic diagram and graph to explain the change in magnetic field direction when the magnetic field direction of the magnet in the throttle device is set to a specific direction (approximately the same direction as the magnetic field of the external magnet) and the magnetic pole of the external magnet is positioned at the magnetic shielding position. Schematic diagram showing the operation of the locking member in the throttle device.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The throttle device according to this embodiment detects the rotational operation angle (amount of operation) of a throttle grip (operating means) attached to the handlebar H of a motorcycle, and transmits the detection signal to an electronic control unit such as an ECU mounted on the motorcycle to control the vehicle's power source. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, it comprises a switch case C fixed to the handlebar H of the vehicle, a throttle operation detection unit Y mounted inside the switch case C, and operating parts t1 to t3 attached to the switch case C that can operate various electrical components mounted on the vehicle.

[0022] The switch case C is formed by molding a predetermined material and, as shown in Figure 2, is constructed by joining together a split-shaped front switch case Ca and a rear switch case Cb. An opening is formed at a predetermined position in the switch case C, and operating knobs constituting the operating parts (t1 to t3) are attached to each opening, allowing operation of any electrical equipment mounted on the vehicle.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 to 9, the throttle operation detection unit Y comprises a throttle grip G (operating means), an interlocking member 2, a rotating member 3 to which a magnet m is attached, a magnetic sensor 5 (detection means) formed on a substrate 4, a case member 1 that rotatably holds the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 3, a forward return spring 6 and a reverse return spring 7, a friction-applying member 9, a cover member 11, a magnetic shielding member 12, a backlash spring 13, and a locking member 14.

[0024] The throttle grip G is attached to the tip (right end) of the vehicle's handlebar H, and the throttle can be operated by the driver gripping it and rotating it around its axis. As shown in Figure 1, it is possible to rotate it in the forward direction α and in the reverse direction β from the initial position. Alternatively, the throttle grip G may be replaced with other means of throttle operation by the driver, such as a swing lever or slide switch that can be operated by any amount of movement.

[0025] The case member 1 rotatably holds the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 3. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, it has a first housing section 1a to which the interlocking member 2 is rotatably mounted, a second housing section 1b to which the rotating member 3 is rotatably mounted, a third housing section 1c to which the magnetic sensor 5 is mounted, a fourth housing section 1d formed continuously with the third housing section 1c, a fifth housing section 1e to which the friction-applying member 9 and the coil spring 10 are mounted, and a fitting section 1f.

[0026] Specifically, a first housing section 1a, a second housing section 1b, and a fifth housing section 1e are formed on one surface of the case member 1, and an interlocking member 2, a rotating member 3, a friction-applying member 9, and a coil spring 10 are attached to them, respectively. When the throttle grip G is rotated, the interlocking member 2 housed in the first housing section 1a rotates in conjunction with it, the rotating member 3 housed in the second housing section 1b rotates in conjunction with it, and the friction-applying member 9, biased by the coil spring 10, contacts and slides against the interlocking member 2, thereby applying friction (frictional force) to the throttle grip G during operation.

[0027] Furthermore, a third housing section 1c and a fourth housing section 1d are formed in succession on the other side of the case member 1, and a substrate 4 is attached across these continuously formed third housing section 1c and fourth housing section 1d. The substrate 4 according to this embodiment consists of a printed circuit board on which predetermined electrical circuits are formed. A magnetic sensor 5 is attached to the portion of the substrate 4 located in the third housing section 1c, and a connection terminal T extending from the case member 1 is inserted through the hole portion 4c of the substrate 4 located in the fourth housing section 1d, thereby enabling electrical connection with wiring extending from the vehicle side.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, an arc-shaped fitting portion 1f is formed on the side of the third housing portion 1c in the case member 1, and the side component 12a of the magnetic shielding member 12 can be fitted into this fitting portion 1f. When the side component 12a is fitted into the fitting portion 1f, as shown in Figure 4, the side component 12a is positioned to the side of the magnet m and magnetic sensor 5, enabling shielding from external magnetism.

[0029] The interlocking member 2 is rotatable in conjunction with the throttle grip G and is rotatably mounted in the first housing portion 1a of the case member 1. As shown in Figure 5, the interlocking member 2 according to this embodiment is configured to have an engaging portion 2a that can engage and lock with a protrusion (not shown) formed at the base end of the throttle grip G, and a gear portion 2b formed over a predetermined range. It is configured to rotate in conjunction with the throttle grip G when the driver rotates the throttle grip G.

[0030] The rotating member 3 rotates together with the magnet m in accordance with the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2, and is rotatably mounted in the second housing portion 1b of the case member 1. As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the rotating member 3 according to this embodiment has a gear portion 3a that meshes with the gear portion 2b of the interlocking member 2, a cylindrical portion 3b that extends cylindrically from the gear portion 3a, a magnet mounting recess 3c formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b to which the magnet m is attached, and a spring mounting recess 3d capable of housing the backlash spring 13.

[0031] The forward rotation return spring 6 is made of a torsion coil spring and is a return spring that biases the interlocking member 2 toward its initial position when the throttle grip G rotates in the forward direction α. ​​Specifically, the forward rotation return spring 6 is assembled with one end locked to the case member 1 and the other end locked to the interlocking member 2. When the throttle grip G is rotated in the forward direction α, the interlocking member 2 rotates against the biasing force of the forward rotation return spring 6, and this biasing force is transmitted to the throttle grip G, acting to return the throttle grip G to its initial position.

[0032] The reverse return spring 7 is attached to the interlocking member 2 and consists of a pair of coil springs, one end of which is attached to a spring receiving portion 8a (see Figure 6) formed on the receiving member 8. Its purpose is to bias the interlocking member 2 toward its initial position when the throttle grip G rotates in the reverse direction β. Specifically, when the throttle grip G is rotated in the reverse direction β, the protruding portion 8b of the receiving member 8 is locked to a predetermined part of the case member 1, so the receiving member 8 stops while the interlocking member 2 rotates. As a result, the interlocking member 2 rotates against the biasing force of the reverse return spring 7, and this biasing force is transmitted to the throttle grip G, acting to return the throttle grip G to its initial position.

[0033] The magnetic sensor 5 (detection means) detects the magnetic change (change in the direction of the magnetic field) of the magnet m accompanying the rotation of the rotating member 3, and detects the rotation angle of the rotating member 3, thereby enabling the detection of the rotation angle of the throttle grip G. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 5 is capable of obtaining an output voltage corresponding to the change in the magnetic field (change in magnetic flux density) of the magnet m, and is composed of, for example, a Hall element, which is a magnetic sensor that utilizes the Hall effect (specifically, a linear Hall IC that can obtain an output voltage proportional to the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) of the magnet m).

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the substrate 4 is integrally formed with a sensor area 4a on which the magnetic sensor 5 is attached and a connection terminal area 4b with a hole 4c for which the connection terminal T protrudes. When the substrate 4 is attached to the case member 1, the sensor area 4a is located in the third housing section 1c and the connection terminal area 4b is located in the fourth housing section 1d. The connection terminal T is electrically connected to wiring extending from the vehicle side, enabling the detection value of the magnetic sensor 5 to be transmitted to the vehicle side.

[0035] As a result, when the throttle grip G rotates, and the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 3 rotate by a corresponding rotation angle, the output signal of the magnetic sensor 5 increases or decreases due to the change in the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet m attached to the rotating member 3. Based on this output signal, the rotation angle of the throttle grip G can be detected.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 17(a), when the throttle grip G is in its initial position and a magnetic field M1 is generated relative to the magnetic sensor 5, rotating the throttle grip G in the positive direction α changes the direction of the magnetic field M1, becoming magnetic field M1a, as shown in Figure 17(b). The magnetic sensor 5 detects this change, thereby detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2 and enabling the detection of the rotation angle of the throttle grip G relative to the positive direction α. ​​This detection signal is sent to the ECU of the motorcycle via wiring connected to the connection terminal T of the circuit board 4, and the drive source (engine or motor) is controlled based on this detection signal (output control based on the rotation angle of the throttle grip G).

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(a), when the throttle grip G is in its initial position and a magnetic field M1 is generated relative to the magnetic sensor 5, rotating the throttle grip G in the reverse direction β changes the direction of the magnetic field M1, becoming magnetic field M1b, as shown in Figure 17(b). The magnetic sensor 5 detects this change, thereby detecting the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2 and enabling the detection of the rotation angle of the throttle grip G relative to the reverse direction β. This detection signal is sent to electrical components such as the auto cruise system of the motorcycle via wiring connected to the connection terminal T of the circuit board 4, and the electrical components are turned on or off.

[0038] The cover member 11 is a plate-shaped member attached to one side of the case member 1 and covering the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 3. As shown in Figure 13, it has an insertion hole 11a through which the shaft member L can be inserted, an arc-shaped notch 11b through which the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13 can be inserted and which allows movement of the other end 13b when a torsional action is applied to the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13, and a screw hole 11c through which a screw n3 for fixing the locking member 14 can be inserted.

[0039] The backlash spring 13 applies a biasing force in the rotational direction of the rotating member 3 to reduce backlash between the interlocking member 2 and the rotating member 3. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, it consists of a torsion spring with one end 13a and the other end 13b formed at both ends of the coil portion 13c. In this embodiment, the backlash spring 13 is housed in the spring mounting recess 3d of the rotating member 3, with one end 13a locked to the rotating member 3, and the other end 13b extending to the outside of the cover member 11 via the notch portion 11b and being locked by the locking member 14 while being subjected to a torsional action.

[0040] Specifically, the gear portion 3a of the rotating member 3 is engaged with the gear portion 2b of the interlocking member 2, and the rotating member 3 and the interlocking member 2 are assembled to the case member 1. Then, the backlash spring 13 is housed in the spring mounting recess 3d of the rotating member 3, and one end 13a is locked to the rotating member 3. After assembling the shaft member L, which is the rotation axis of the rotating member 3, to the case member 1, the tip of the shaft member L is inserted into the insertion hole 11a of the cover member 11, and the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13 is inserted into the notch 11b, and the cover member 11 is fixed to the case member 1 with a screw n2. At this time, the backlash spring 13 is in a free state without biasing force applied, so biasing force is applied by the locking member 14.

[0041] The locking member 14 is attached to the outside of the cover member 11 and moves the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13 to apply a torsional action, and also locks the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13 that has been subjected to the torsional action. The locking member 14 according to this embodiment is rotatable about the shaft member L, which is the rotation axis of the rotating member 3, while locking the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13, and is fixed in a predetermined position. As shown in Figures 6 to 8 and Figure 16, it comprises a central hole 14a through which the protruding end of the shaft member L can be inserted, a locking groove 14b that can lock the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13, and a screw hole 14c through which a screw n3 can be inserted.

[0042] Thus, since one end 13a of the backlash spring 13 is locked to the rotating member 3 while the other end 13b is locked while being subjected to a twisting action by the locking member 14, a biasing force can be applied in the rotational direction of the rotating member 3, and the backlash between the gear portion 3a of the rotating member 3 and the gear portion 2b of the interlocking member 2 can be reduced by this biasing force.

[0043] The magnetic shielding member 12 is made of a magnetic material (a ferromagnetic material such as iron) and is located around the magnet m and the magnetic sensor 5 and can shield (magnetically seal) magnetic fields from the outside (outside the throttle device). As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, it is composed of side components 12a with both ends open and covering the sides of the magnet m and the magnetic sensor 5, and a plate-like bottom component 12b covering the bottom-side opening of the side components 12a.

[0044] The side component 12a is obtained, for example, by roll processing (processing to follow the outer peripheral surface of a roll) a plate-like ferromagnetic material. As shown in FIG. 14, it has a C-shaped cross-section in plan view that is curved in an arc shape while having a predetermined curvature as a whole, and is composed of a cylindrical member with both ends (the left and right ends in the figure) open and a notch K formed in a part of the side. As described above, such a side component 12a is fitted into the fitting portion 1f of the case member 1 and is positioned on the sides of the magnet m and the magnetic sensor 5 so as to shield magnetic fields from the outside.

[0045] The side component 12a according to the present embodiment is composed of a cylindrical member (a C-shaped member in plan view) with a notch K formed in a part of the side, and is configured such that the notch K is positioned at the boundary between the third housing portion 1c and the fourth housing portion 1d in a state of being fitted into the fitting portion 1f of the case member 1. Thereby, the side component 12a can be arranged without dividing the sensor region 4a and the connection terminal region 4b of the substrate 4, and the entire substrate 4 can be attached to the case member 1.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 15, the bottom part 12b is made of a plate-shaped ferromagnetic material and is configured to be attached to the case member 1 with a screw n1 as shown in FIG. 3. When such a bottom part 12b is attached to the case member 1, as shown in FIG. 4, it is configured to close one open end of the side part 12a. As a result, the magnet m and the magnetic sensor 5 are in a state where their surroundings are surrounded by the side part 12a and the bottom part 12b.

[0047] Here, in the throttle device according to the present embodiment, when the throttle grip G is in the initial position, the magnet m is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field (the direction of magnetic flux density) of the magnet m with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 becomes a specific direction. Such a specific direction is the same or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet Q with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 when the magnetic pole (S pole or N pole) of the external magnet Q is located at a predetermined anti-magnetic position A1 where anti-magnetic from the outside of the device (in this embodiment, outside the switch case C) is required.

[0048] Note that since the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m (specific direction) includes not only the direction completely the same as the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet Q with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 but also a slightly deviated direction, it is defined as "substantially the same direction". Similarly, since the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m (specific direction) includes not only the direction completely opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet Q with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 but also a slightly deviated direction, it is defined as "substantially opposite direction". The slightly deviated direction includes a range having the same effect as when it is the completely same direction or the completely opposite direction.

[0049] Specifically, when the magnetic pole of the external magnet Q is located outside the device, as shown in FIG. 18, external positions A1 to A4 are assumed. The anti-magnetic position is the position where the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic sensor 5 from the magnetic pole of the external magnet Q is maximized among these external positions A1 to A4, that is, the position where the dimension from the outer peripheral surface of the device (in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the switch case C) to the magnetic sensor 5 is minimized, or the position where the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic sensor 5 from the magnetic pole of the external magnet Q located outside the magnetic shielding member 12 (side part 12a) is maximized.

[0050] In this embodiment, the external position A1 is set to the magnetically shielded position. When the throttle grip G is in the initial position, as shown in Figure 19(a), the external magnet Q is positioned at the magnetically shielded position A1, and it is assumed that the magnetic pole (for example, the south pole) of the external magnet Q is close to the magnetic sensor 5. At this time, as shown in Figure 19(b), a magnetic field M2 (magnetic flux density) is generated with respect to the magnetic sensor 5, so the magnet m is positioned such that the magnetic field M1 generated from the magnet m is in approximately the opposite direction to the magnetic field M2.

[0051] As a result, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the magnetic field M1 of magnet m and the magnetic field M2 of external magnet Q, whose magnetic fields are oriented in approximately opposite directions, are generated on the magnetic sensor 5. Therefore, a combined magnetic field M0 (M1 - M2) is applied to the magnetic sensor 5. Since this magnetic field M0 is approximately the same direction as the magnetic field M1 of magnet m when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the influence of external magnet Q on the magnetic sensor 5 is suppressed.

[0052] Similarly, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, assume that the external magnet Q is located in the magnetic shielding position A1, as shown in Figure 20(a), and that the magnetic pole (for example, the south pole) of the external magnet Q is close to the magnetic sensor 5. At this time, as shown in Figure 20(b), a magnetic field M2 (magnetic flux density) is generated with respect to the magnetic sensor 5, so the magnet m is positioned such that the magnetic field M1 generated from the magnet m is in approximately the same direction as the magnetic field M2.

[0053] As a result, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the magnetic field M1 of magnet m and the magnetic field M2 of external magnet Q, both of which have magnetic fields oriented in approximately the same direction, are generated on the magnetic sensor 5. Therefore, a combined magnetic field M0 (M1 + M2) is applied to the magnetic sensor 5. Since this magnetic field M0 is approximately the same direction as the magnetic field M1 of magnet m when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the influence of external magnet Q on the magnetic sensor 5 is suppressed.

[0054] On the other hand, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, as shown in Figure 21(a), the external magnet Q is positioned at the magnetic shielding position A1, and it is assumed that the magnetic pole (for example, the north pole) of the external magnet Q is close to the magnetic sensor 5. In this case, if the magnet m is not positioned in a specific direction, as shown in Figure 21(b), a magnetic field M1 from the magnet m with a different magnetic field direction and a magnetic field M2 from the external magnet Q will be generated, and a combined magnetic field M0 (M1 + M2) will be applied to the magnetic sensor 5. Since this magnetic field M0 has a different direction from the magnetic field M1 of the magnet m when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, there is a risk that the direction of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor 5 will change due to the influence of the external magnet Q.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 11, the rotating member 3 according to this embodiment has a magnet mounting recess 3c formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b, and the magnet m is mounted in the magnet mounting recess 3c while being positioned. That is, the magnet m has a concave shape in the middle portion between both magnetic poles (south pole and north pole) when viewed from above, and the magnet mounting recess 3c is formed to match the shape of the magnet m.

[0056] Therefore, when the magnet m is attached to the magnet mounting recess 3c, the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m becomes fixed (in Figure 17, the magnetic poles are positioned with their poles facing upwards and downwards), as shown in Figure 17. Thus, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the magnet m can be easily attached to the rotating member 3 so that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m relative to the magnetic sensor 5 is fixed in a specific direction.

[0057] Next, the assembly method of the throttle device according to this embodiment will be described. The interlocking member 2, the friction-applying member 9, and the coil spring 10 are assembled to one side of the case member 1, and the substrate 4 on which the magnetic sensor 5 is formed and the magnetic shielding member 12 are assembled to the other side. Then, after attaching the magnet m to the magnet mounting recess 3c of the rotating member 3, the rotating member 3 is rotatably attached to the case member 1.

[0058] Here, when the rotating member 3 is rotatably attached to the case member 1, the gear portion 3a of the rotating member 3 is engaged with the gear portion 2b of the interlocking member 2, and the rotational direction of the rotating member 3 is positioned so that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 is a specific direction. As described above, this specific direction is approximately the same as or approximately opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet Q with respect to the magnetic sensor 5 when the magnetic pole of the external magnet Q is located at a predetermined shielding position A1 where shielding from outside the device is required.

[0059] Subsequently, after the cover member 11 is attached to the case member 1, as shown in Figure 22(a), the tip of the shaft member L protruding from the insertion hole 11a is inserted into the central hole 14a of the locking member 14, and the other end 13b of the backlash spring 13 (in a free state without biasing force applied) protruding from the notch 11b is locked into the locking groove 14b of the locking member 14. Then, as shown in Figure 22(b), when the locking member 14 is rotated around the shaft member L, the other end 13b locked in the locking groove 14b moves in an arc shape, and a torsional action is applied to the backlash spring 13.

[0060] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 22(c), the locking member 14 is rotated until the screw hole 14c of the locking member 14 aligns with the screw hole 11c of the cover member 11, and the screw n3 is inserted through the screw holes 11c and 14c and screwed in, thereby fixing the locking member 14 to the cover member 11. In this way, the rotation and fixing of the locking member 14 exerts a torsional action on the backlash spring 13, thereby maintaining a state in which a biasing force is applied to the rotating member 3.

[0061] According to this embodiment, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, the magnet m is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet m relative to the magnetic sensor 5 is a specific direction. This specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the external magnet Q relative to the magnetic sensor 5 when the magnetic pole (S pole or N pole) of the external magnet Q is located at a predetermined shielding position A1 where shielding from outside the device (outside the switch case C in this embodiment) is required. Therefore, regardless of the configuration or presence of the magnetic shielding member 12, when the throttle grip G is in its initial position, even if the magnetic pole of the external magnet Q is brought close from outside the device, the influence on the magnet m that is linked to the throttle grip G can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, by setting the magnetic shielding position A1 to the position where the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic sensor 5 (detection means) from the magnetic poles of the external magnet Q is maximum, the position most vulnerable to magnetism from the external magnet Q can be set as the magnetic shielding position, ensuring reliable magnetic shielding by the external magnet Q when the throttle grip G is in its initial position.

[0063] Furthermore, by setting the magnetic shielding position A1 to the position where the distance (straight line dimension) from the outer surface of the device (in this embodiment, the outer surface of the switch case C) to the magnetic sensor 5 is minimized, the magnetic shielding position can be set to the position that is most vulnerable to magnetism from the external magnet Q in terms of the device layout, thereby ensuring that magnetic shielding by the external magnet Q is reliably performed when the throttle grip G is in its initial position.

[0064] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a magnetic shielding member 12 positioned around the magnetic sensor 5 that can shield against magnetism from outside the device. The magnetic shielding position A1 is set to the position where the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic sensor 5 from the magnetic poles of the external magnet Q located outside the magnetic shielding member 12 is maximum. Considering the shielding performance of the magnetic shielding member 12, the position most vulnerable to magnetism from the external magnet Q can be set as the magnetic shielding position, ensuring reliable magnetic shielding by the external magnet Q when the throttle grip G is in its initial position.

[0065] In particular, according to the throttle device of this embodiment, a magnet m is attached to a rotating member 3 that rotates together with the magnet m according to the rotation angle of the interlocking member 2, and the rotating member 3 holds the magnet m while positioning it in a specific orientation, so the rotating member 3 can be given a positioning function for holding the magnet m.

[0066] In addition, the rotating member 3 according to this embodiment is configured to have a gear portion 3a that meshes with a gear portion 2b formed on the interlocking member 2, and a cylindrical portion 3b that extends cylindrically from the gear portion 3a. Since the magnet m is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion 3b while being positioned in the direction of rotation, the magnet m can be accurately positioned and securely held by the cylindrical portion 3b of the rotating member 3.

[0067] However, the magnetic shielding member 12 according to this embodiment has a cylindrical side part 12a that is open at both ends and surrounds the sides of the magnet m and magnetic sensor 5, and a plate-shaped bottom part 12b that closes at least one open end of the side part 12a. As a result, even if an external magnet Q is brought close from outside the device, the influence on the magnet m that is linked to the throttle grip G (operating means) can be suppressed, and deep drawing and the like are not required, thus reducing the manufacturing cost for magnetic shielding.

[0068] Furthermore, the cover member 11 may be made of a magnetic material (a ferromagnetic material such as iron, similar to the magnetic shielding member 12). In this way, if the cover member 11 is made of a magnetic material, magnetic shielding can be provided by the cover member 11 in addition to the magnetic shielding member 12. In this case, the side component 12a is located to the side of the magnet m and magnetic sensor 5, and the bottom component 12b and the cover member 11 having a magnetic shielding effect are located above and below it, making magnetic shielding more reliable.

[0069] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the magnetic shielding member 12 may be of a different form, or the magnetic shielding member 12 may be omitted. In this embodiment, it is shown to be attached to the handlebars of a motorcycle, but it may also be attached to other vehicles that have handlebars (for example, ATVs or snowmobiles). It can be applied to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines or other internal combustion engines, or to electric vehicles powered by motors or other motors.

[0070] The present invention can also be applied to products with different external shapes or those with added functions, provided they are of a similar nature.

[0071] 1 Case member 1a First housing section 1b Second housing section 1c Third housing section 1d Fourth housing section 1e Fifth housing section 1f Fitting section 2 Interlocking member 2a Engaging section 2b Gear section 3 Rotating member 3a Gear section 3b Cylindrical section 3c Magnet mounting recess 3d Spring mounting recess 4 Base plate 4a Sensor area 4b Connection terminal area 4c Hole section 5 Magnetic sensor (detection means) 6 Forward rotation return spring 7 Reverse rotation return spring 8 Receiving member 8a Spring receiving section 8b Protruding section 9 Friction-applying member 10 Coil spring 11 Cover member 11a Through hole 11b Notch 11c Screw hole 11d Opening 12 Magnetic shielding member 12a Side part 12b Bottom part 13 Backlash spring 13a One end 13b Other end 13c Coil section 14 Locking member 14a Center hole 14b Locking groove 14c Screw hole G Throttle grip (operating means) m Magnet C Switch case Ca Front switch case Cb Rear switch case t1-t3 Operating section L Shaft member T Connection terminal Y Throttle operation detection unit A1-A4 External position A1 Shielded position

Claims

1. A throttle device comprising: an operating means capable of throttle operation; an interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the operating means; a magnet that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member; a detection means for detecting a magnetic change caused by the rotation of the magnet and for detecting the rotation angle of the magnet; and a case member to which the detection means is attached and which rotatably holds the interlocking member, wherein the amount of operation of the operating means is detected based on the rotation angle of the magnet detected by the detection means, and the drive source of the vehicle is controlled, wherein when the operating means is in its initial position, the magnet is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet with respect to the detection means is a specific direction, and the specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of an external magnet with respect to the detection means when the magnetic pole of an external magnet is located at a predetermined shielding position where shielding from outside the device is required.

2. The throttle device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic shielding position is set to a position in which the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic pole of the external magnet is maximum.

3. The throttle device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic shielding position is set to a position where the distance from the outer surface of the device to the detection means is minimized.

4. The throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic shielding member located around the detection means and capable of shielding from magnetism from outside the device, wherein the magnetic shielding position is set to a position in which the magnetic force exerted on the detection means from the magnetic pole of the external magnet located outside the magnetic shielding member is maximum.

5. The throttle device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating member to which the magnet is attached and which rotates together with the magnet in accordance with the rotation angle of the interlocking member, wherein the rotating member holds the magnet while positioning it in the specific orientation.

6. The throttle device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotating member has a gear portion that meshes with a gear formed on the interlocking member and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the gear portion, and the magnet is attached to the tip of the cylindrical portion while being positioned.

7. A method for assembling a throttle device comprising: an operating means capable of throttle operation; an interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the operating means; a magnet that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the interlocking member; a detection means for detecting a magnetic change caused by the rotation of the magnet and for detecting the rotation angle of the magnet; and a case member to which the detection means is attached and which rotatably holds the interlocking member, wherein the amount of operation of the operating means is detected based on the rotation angle of the magnet detected by the detection means, and the drive source of the vehicle is controlled, wherein when the operating means is in an initial position, the magnet is positioned such that the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet with respect to the detection means is a specific direction, and the specific direction is substantially the same as or substantially opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of an external magnet with respect to the detection means when the magnetic pole of an external magnet is located at a predetermined shielding position where shielding from outside the device is required.

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