ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an acceleration position sensor mounting structure and more particularly for handle bar driven motor vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor Vehicles, such as motorcycle, scooter and three wheelers employ internal combustion engine as prime movers. An internal combustion engine is mounted on the frame to generate power required to propel the aforementioned motor vehicles. Engine converts fuel into mechanical motion via its moving parts. In engine, the burning of air-fuel mixture takes place inside Cylinder. The said Cylinder is a circular hole through the cylinder block; the hole is bored to receive a piston from bottom and the cylinder head attached at top. The said piston reciprocates up and down inside the said cylinder. Pistons transmit the driving force of combustion to the crankshaft through the connecting rod. The crankshaft changes reciprocating motion of the piston in cylinder to the rotary motion. All this transpires upon the instruction from the rider through the accelerator grip mounted on the handle bar.

To understand the present invention lucidly, motorcycle is preferred as an embodiment fixture. Therefore the present invention is employed in a motorcycle for exemplification, but it must be understood the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in other ways. A typical motorcycle includes, front wheel, rear wheel suspended on the front and rear end of the frame respectively. Further the engine, handlebar and seat are also mounted on the frame. Engine and handle bar are linked up through the clutch lever and accelerator grip (i.e. from performance perspective of invention only, other means are also employed for smooth running of vehicle.). But the instant invention relates to the throttle control mechanism, which has its close nexus to the accelerator grip on handle bar.
Typically, the user-operated throttle control comprises an accelerator grip mounted on the right side of the handle bar. The accelerator grip provides a throttle control signal when twisted in prescribed direction, which is transmitted from the accelerator grip to throttle blade associated with carburetor. Conventionally, the said signal is conveyed through a mechanical connection between the accelerator grip and the carburetor throttle blade, typically referred as an accelerator wire. However, there has been a recent trend of coupling an accelerator position sensor on the said accelerator wire to judge the position of accelerator grip and throttle blade concurrently.

Whenever the accelerator position sensor is coupled to the accelerator wire, additional mountings are required such as, a separate sensor wire, dedicated to mounting facility and other coupling means. Such kind of mounting arrangement increases the complexity of the present system and adds to the magnitude of friction produced by cables as well as an increased amount of rider effort to pull the throttle. These deficiencies in the current mechanism may lead to serious dissatisfaction and uncomfortable experience to the rider. In order to alleviate the problems in the prior art, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a simplified mechanism to surmount the complexities of the current mechanism and retaining all the advantages of the prior system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes a mounting location for an accelerator position sensor, which reduces the complexity of the system, eliminates the use of additional cable and reduces the friction, thereby decreasing the rider effort. This is achieved by mounting the acceleration position sensor directly on the accelerator wire. Also the present invention provides an improved mechanical design system for detecting the throttle position accurately. The present invention also provides an improved throttle response system.

Further the other feature of novelty will be hereinafter disclosed in connection with the description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in accompanying drawing.

Before any detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

In connection of this document, the term "accelerator position sensor" used in the detailed description encompasses and refers to an array of position sensors including LVDT, REED switch, Hall type sensor and resistor or inductive sensor etc, any other sensor known may be used to implement the present invention, unless and otherwise specifically restricted or described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a conventional motorcycle to which the present invention is applicable.

Figure 2 illustrates the magnified view of the right side portion of handle bar, according to the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the accelerator position sensor coupled with the accelerator wire, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the accelerator position sensor coupled with the accelerator wire, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The particulars and configuration discussed in the following non-limiting description can be varied and is cited merely to illustrate an embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope thereof.

Features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following description and figures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements through out several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of reference numerals. It is to be understood that words describing directions such as "right", "left", "upper", "lower" or like terms, are used herein with reference to illustrated states in drawings or in actually usable state of vehicle control device.

Figure 1 illustrates a motorcycle 11 including a front wheel 10, a rear wheel 20, an engine 30, and a frame 40 interconnecting the front 10 and rear 20 wheels. The motorcycle also includes a steering assembly 50 coupled to the frame 40. The steering assembly 50 is pivot able about a steering axis and includes a handlebar 60 for imparting such pivotal motion to the steering assembly 50. The handlebar includes a left-side grip (not shown) and a right-side grip 100(i.e. accelerator grip) that are grasped by an operator to control the motorcycle.

The left-side grip (not shown in drawing) is secured to the left-hand end portion of the handlebar 60, and the right-side grip or accelerator grip 100 is secured to the right-hand end portion of the handlebar 60. A left control housing (not shown) is positioned inwardly of the left-side grip, and a right control housing 70 is positioned inwardly of the accelerator grip 100. The left control housing and right control housing are secured to the motorcycle handlebar. The left control housing and right control housing include operator switches that communicate with and control various devices on the motorcycle, such as the headlight, the starter, the turn signals, the horn, and other devices as is well known in the art. The illustrated handlebar is generally a continuous hollow tube made from metal such as steel. However, it should be appreciated that other types of handlebars such as two-piece handlebars (e.g., "clip-ons") may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 demonstrates the magnified view of the right side portion of handle bar with an accelerator grip and an accelerator wire. These two elements of the present invention are illustrated separately for illustrative clarity and thought through understanding of the present invention. The accelerator grip 100 is coaxially mounted on the right side of handle bar 60 and twisting it around the handle bar 60 provides the acceleration to the aforementioned vehicles. The accelerator grip 100 is provided with an interface to couple an accelerator wire 200. The accelerator grip 100 is operated manually by rider. Further the accelerator wire 200 is a link between the throttle blade and the accelerator grip 100. Hence proper elucidation is provided of the accelerator wire 200. Accelerator wire 200 constitute of an outer casing 210 and a core 220 extending through the outer casing 210, the said core 220 engages throttle blade (not shown in figure) at a first end and at a second end it engages the accelerator grip 100, the said accelerator wire 200 is arranged in such a manner that it rotates throttle blade so as to open and close an intake passage of the carburetor by transmitting motion of the said accelerator grip 100 to throttle blade. The throttle blade opens and closes in accordance to the calibration with the twisting movement of the accelerator grip100.

Figure 3 edifies the schematic set up of an accelerator position sensor 300 coupled with the accelerator wire 200 as per the arrangement prescribed for the first embodiment of the invention, wherein an accelerator position sensor 300 is coupled to the accelerator wire, inside an accelerator position sensor casing 320. Further the accelerator position sensor 300 is secured to the main frame 40 or is disposed to any other element of vehicle as per the vehicle console convenience through known means (for this purpose Figure 3 displaying 500, 510 as mounting mean just for convenience and lucid understanding of invention). The accelerator position sensor 300 is equipped with a mechanical interface, which receives the accelerator wire 200 from the upper side of the accelerator position sensor casing 320 (hereinafter addressed as "casing"). Further a slider 800 is aligned perpendicular to the direction of movement of the accelerator wire 200 inside the casing 320, such that the said slider 800 moves corresponding to the accelerator wire 200 and touches a tag 700 (not shown in figure) to generate varying ignition timing, based on the amount of acceleration performed by the rider, thereby enabling to mount the accelerator position sensor 300 on the accelerator wire 200 directly and eliminating the use of additional wire. Also accelerator position sensor 300 is provided with a guide 600 to avoid deflection of the slider 800 triggering different operating mode for the vehicle. Further the casing 320 grips and seals the accelerator wire 200 at the upper end through a rubber seal 310. An identical gripping and sealing mechanism is placed at the lower end of the casing 320. This gripping and sealing mechanism facilitates the mechanical interface, and in turn allows the accelerator position sensor 300 through the slider 800 to detect position of the accelerator grip 100. The movement of the accelerator grip 100 is interpreted by the movement of the slider 800 in the accelerator position sensor casing 320 for controlling the propelled vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates schematic set up of an accelerator position sensor 300 coupled with the accelerator wire 200 as per the arrangement prescribed for the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the accelerator position sensor 300 is coupled to the accelerator wire, inside an accelerator position sensor casing 320. The accelerator position sensor 300 is equipped with a mechanical interface, which receives the accelerator wire 200 from the upper side of the casing 320. Further the slider 800 is aligned to the direction of movement of the accelerator wire 200 inside the casing 320, such that the said slider 800 moves corresponding to the accelerator wire 200 and touches the a tag 900 to generate varying ignition timing, based on the amount of acceleration performed by the rider, thereby enabling to mount the accelerator position sensor 300 on the accelerator wire 200 directly and eliminating the use of additional wire.

WE CLAIM:
1. A throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles comprising:

an accelerator position sensor for detecting the amount of operation of an accelerator grip;

an accelerator wire to connect a throttle blade to the accelerator grip; an accelerator position sensor casing to hold the accelerator position sensor and the accelerator wire; and

a slider mounted inside the accelerator position sensor casing, to provide varying ignition timing, corresponding to the accelerator wire; wherein the slider is coupled to the accelerator wire in such a manner that the said slider moves along with accelerator wire and touches a tag to generate varying ignition timing, based on the amount of acceleration performed by the rider, thereby enabling to mount the accelerator position sensor on the accelerator wire directly and eliminating the use of additional wire.

2. The throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accelerator position sensor is preferably secured to the main frame of the vehicle.

3. The throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said slider aligned to the direction of movement of the accelerator wire to generate the varying ignition timing.

4. The throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said slider is aligned perpendicular to the direction of the accelerator wire to generate the varying ignition timing.

5. The throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles as claimed in claim 1 and claim 4, wherein the accelerator position sensor is provided with a guide to avoid deflection of the slider triggering different operating mode for the vehicle.

6. The throttle assembly for handle bar driven motor vehicles, substantially as herein described in the specification and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.