This invention relates generally to an electronic throttle position detecting apparatus for
detecting a throttle position by detecting a rotation angle of a throttle grip of a vehicle having
handlebars such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters and scooties or three wheeled
vehicles such as auto-rickshaw or all-terrain vehicles have handlebars and are equipped with
a throttle grip at the tip of the handlebar and is also equipped with a throttle position detecting
apparatus for allowing the vehicle to run at an arbitrary speed by detecting a throttle position
on the basis of an angle of rotation, effected by the driver, of the throttle grip. Throttle
position detecting apparatus having mechanical configurations and electronic configurations
have been proposed conventionally.
By way of example, JP-A-4-254278 discloses a throttle position detecting apparatus
composed of a drive pulley that rotates in conjunction with a throttle grip, a detection gear
that is in mesh with a gear that is part of the drive pulley, and a throttle position sensor that is
a potentiometer and detects a rotation angle of the detection gear. When the throttle grip is
rotated, the indication value of the potentiometer is varied via the drive pulley and a throttle
position is thereby detected.
By way of another example, U.S. Patent No. 7,010,955 discloses a throttle position detecting
apparatus comprising: an interlocking member being rotatable in conjunction with a throttle
grip attached to a tip of a handlebar of a vehicle; a detecting unit for detecting a rotation angle
of the interlocking member; and a case integrally including a first accommodation and a
second accommodation, the interlocking member being rotatably and completely
accommodated in the first accommodation and the detecting unit being accommodated in the
second accommodation, wherein the throttle position detecting apparatus detects a throttle
position on the basis of the rotation angle of the interlocking member detected by the
detecting unit and wherein the interlocking member is a ring gear.
By way of a further example, U.S. Patent No. 7,287,512 discloses a throttle position sensor
comprising: a rotor having a first end and a second end, the rotor adapted to be positioned
within the handlebar and rotated relative to the handlebar, the second end being closer than
the first end to the end of the handlebar; a sensor operable to detect rotation of the rotor
3
relative to the handlebar and generate a signal corresponding to the rotation of the rotor
relative to the handlebar; and at least one electrical conduit passing into the rotor from the
first end, the at least one electrical conduit routed through the rotor and accessible from the
second end of the rotor.
By way of a further example, U.S. Patent No. 8,051,939 discloses a throttle position sensor
comprising: a throttle control sleeve which is rotatably mounted onto a handlebar of a
vehicle; a throttle control housing operatively attached to the handlebar, and rotatably
engaged with an outer periphery of the throttle control sleeve; and a throttle sensor unit
housed in the throttle control housing, said throttle sensor unit being operable to detect a
rotational angle of the throttle control sleeve; wherein: a spline is formed on an outer
peripheral surface of one end portion of the throttle control sleeve in an axial direction
thereof, the spline comprising a plurality of spaced-apart keys; the throttle sensor unit is
formed in an annular shape having a spline hole formed therein at a substantially central
portion thereof, the spine hole having a plurality of grooves formed therein; and the throttle
control sleeve and the throttle sensor unit are engaged with each other by spline fitting, with
the keys of the spline fitting into the grooves of the spline hole.
By way of a further example, U.S. Patent No. 6,840,096 discloses a throttle position sensor
comprising: a case mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle; a throttle grip mounted on a leading
end side of the handle bar from the case so as to be rotatable with respect to the handle bar; a
throttle-opening-sensor incorporated in the case for detecting a rotation angle of the throttle
grip; a friction plate applying a frictional force in an opposite direction with respect to the
rotation of the throttle grip to the throttle grip while the throttle grip is rotated; and a gear
mechanism including a plurality of gears working with the throttle grip, the gear mechanism
being interposed between the throttle grip and the throttle-opening sensor.
By way of a further example, JP-A-4-254278 discloses a throttle position sensor comprising a
drive pulley movable together with a throttle grip and rotatable in the same direction as the
throttle grip, a drive gear formed in the lower portion of the drive pulley, a detecting gear
rotatable in meshing engagement with the drive gear, and a potentiometer for detecting the
rotation angle of the detecting gear; and, these drive pulley, drive gear, detecting gear and
potentiometer are incorporated in a case fixed to a handle bar.
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By way of a further example, U.S. Patent No. 6,978,694 discloses a throttle position sensor
comprising: a cylindrical housing adapted to be non-rotatably received within the end of the
handlebar; an elongate shaft supported within the housing for relative rotation about a
longitudinal axis; a first spring angularly biasing the shaft toward a first angular position
relative to the housing; at least one coupling selected from the group consisting of a cam and
follower arrangement, and a friction element and reaction element arrangement, wherein the
at least one coupling is supported by at least one of the housing and the shaft, and wherein the
at least one coupling generates a first torque characteristic resisting relative rotation of the
shaft within the housing when the shaft is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing,
and a second torque characteristic assisting relative rotation of the shaft within the housing
when the shaft is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing; and a sensor on the
housing generating an electrical output representative of an instantaneous angular position of
the shaft relative to the housing; wherein the first torque characteristic is greater than the
second torque characteristic at a throttle grip angle that does not correspond to an idle throttle
position thereby providing a hysteresis effect.
By way of a further example, Indian Application No. 201914007850 discloses a throttle
opening detecting apparatus for a saddle riding vehicle which includes a handle cover, a
handle switch group, and a handlebar, and in which a throttle opening sensor fixed to the
handlebar and detecting a displacement of a rotor in a sensor case is included in the handle
cover, wherein that at least one switch of the handle switch group is disposed at a position
facing the sensor case in the handle cover, and the sensor case has a step portion formed on a
side surface thereof on a side opposite to a throttle pipe rotated integrally with the rotor.
By way of yet another example, Indian Patent Application No. 201614043876 discloses a
throttle opening degree detecting device for a saddle riding type vehicle, the throttle opening
degree detecting device comprising: a switch case fixed to a bar handle; an opening degree
sensor disposed within the switch case and detecting movement of a sensor rotor about an
axis (CX); and a handle grip coupled to the sensor rotor and driving the sensor rotor wherein
the opening degree sensor is fixedly supported in a position within the switch case by a shaft
portion of the bar handle.
Reference may also be made to Applicant’s previous application No. 201811004727 which
discloses an throttle position detecting apparatus comprising a handle grip supporting element
disposed on a first end, a magnet holder adapted to be linked with the handle grip supporting
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element, a magnet held within the magnet holder, a sensor holder adapted to be linked with
the magnet holder, a hall effect sensor held within the sensor holder, and spring member
disposed between the sensor holder and the magnet holder such that a first end of the spring
member is attached to the sensor holder and a second end of the spring member is attached to
the magnet holder, a combination of the handle grip supporting element and the magnet
holder being adapted to exhibit a rotation motion with respect to the sensor holder upon
actuation and the spring member adapted to apply a restoring force on the combination of the
handle grip supporting element and the magnet holder.
While electronic throttle position detecting apparatus having different configurations have
been proposed, there is still a need to provide an electronic throttle position detecting
apparatus which is simple in terms of its construction, which is easy to manufacture, which
can be manufactured at a reasonable price, which occupies less space, which be
accommodated within a handle bar switch console without increasing the size of the handle
bar switch console.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are
further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither
intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended
for determining the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic throttle position detecting apparatus
(100) that comprises a switch console (102) defining an internal space. The electronic throttle
position detecting apparatus further comprises a grip supporting element (104) extending
from the switch console. In an embodiment of the invention, the grip supporting element is
adapted to exhibit rotational movement with respect to the switch console in response to
receiving an actuating force. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus further
comprises a sensor module (106) located within the internal space of the switch console. The
electronic throttle position detecting apparatus further comprises a first motion transfer means
(108) co-operating with the grip supporting element and exhibiting motion corresponding to
the rotational movement of the grip supporting element. The electronic throttle position
detecting apparatus further comprises a second motion transfer means (110) co-operating
with the sensor module and the first motion transfer means thereby causing transfer of the
rotational movement of the grip supporting element to the sensor module.
6
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular
description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed
description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further
illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with
the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the electronic throttle position detecting apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates positional relationship between the first motion transfer means and the
second motion transfer means in a first state of the grip supporting element (corresponding to
non-actuated state) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates positional relationship between the first motion transfer means and the
second motion transfer means in a second state of the grip supporting element (corresponding
to a fully actuated state) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates the electronic throttle position detecting apparatus with a transparent
switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the electronic throttle position detecting apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a close-up view of the grip supporting element with the first motion
transfer means in the form of the first gear member in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a close-up view of the sensor module with the second motion transfer
means in the form of the second gear member in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
7
Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of the grip supporting element with the first motion
transfer means in the form of male member in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a close-up view of the sensor module with the second motion transfer
means in the form of female member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
and
Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of the sensor module being actuated in the counter clock
wise direction and actuated in the counter clock wise direction in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to
represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements
in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn
to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the
present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the
drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details
that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to
obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art having benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
8
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”
“an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also,
as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only
those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or
method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or
additional structures or additional components.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected
to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct
connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other
contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled
with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are
used synonymously.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention
belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
9
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with
respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language
in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to
the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not
to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for
reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Now referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a block diagram of an electronic throttle
position detecting apparatus (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
electronic throttle position detecting apparatus (100) comprises a switch console (102)
defining an internal space. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus (100) further
comprises a grip supporting element (104) extending from the switch console (102). The grip
supporting element (104) is adapted to receive an actuating force and exhibit rotational
movement with respect to the switch console (102) in response to receiving the actuating
force. The electronic throttle position detection apparatus (100) further comprises a sensor
module (106) located within the internal space of the switch console (102). The electronic
throttle position detection apparatus (100) further comprises a first motion transfer means
(108) co-operating with the grip supporting element (104) and exhibiting motion
corresponding to the rotational movement of the grip supporting element (104). The
electronic throttle position detection apparatus (100) further comprises a second motion
transfer means (110) co-operating with the sensor module (106) and the first motion transfer
means (108) thereby causing transfer of the rotational movement of the grip supporting
element (104) to the sensor module (106).
10
As best seen Figures 2 and 3, wherein Figure 2 illustrates positional relationship between
the first motion transfer means and the second motion transfer means in a first state of the
grip supporting element (corresponding to non-actuated state) and Figure 3 illustrates
positional relationship between the first motion transfer means and the second motion transfer
means in a second state of the grip supporting element (corresponding to a fully actuated state
in the counter clock wise direction), the co-operation between the first motion transfer means
(108) and the second motion transfer means (110) causes transfer of the rotational movement
of the grip supporting element (104) to the sensor module (106). It may be noted that the grip
supporting element (104) can be actuated to any intermediate position between the nonactuated state (as shown in Figure 2) and the fully actuated state (as shown in Figure 3) and
depending upon the extent of rotation of the grip supporting element (104), each of the first
motion transfer means (108) and the second motion transfer means (110) is rotated.
Now referring to Figures 4 which illustrates the electronic throttle position detecting
apparatus with a transparent switch console, it can be observed that the electronic throttle
position detecting apparatus further comprises a spring member (116) disposed within the
switch console (102) and being adapted to apply a restoring force on the grip supporting
element (104). Thus, when the actuating force ceases to exist, the grip supporting element
(104) is automatically brought to the non-actuated state.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the spring member (116) defines a first end which is
attached to the switch console (102) and a second end which is attached to the grip supporting
element (104) such that the spring member (116) is adapted to exert a rotational restoring
force on the grip supporting element (104).
Now referring to Figure 5 which illustrates a sectional view of the electronic throttle position
detecting apparatus, in an embodiment of the invention, the sensor module (106)
accommodates a magnetic field generating element (112) and a detecting element (114)
adapted to detect variation in the magnetic field as produced by the magnetic field generating
element (112). The sensor module in an embodiment, accommodates an arm (118) defining a
first end and a second end. The second end of the arm is operably coupled to the second
motion transfer means (110) while the first end of the arm is operably coupled to the
magnetic field generating element (112). The arm (118) is adapted to rotate about its axis.
The rotation of the arm (118) is caused because of the rotational movement of the grip
supporting element (104).
11
In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor module (106) may accommodate a magnetic
shielding element (128). The magnetic shielding element (128) ensures that the variation in
the magnetic field as sensed by the detection means (114) is only corresponding to the
magnetic field generating element (112) and not to other elements. In an embodiment of the
invention, the magnetic field generating element (112) may be a permanent magnet. In an
embodiment of the invention, the detecting element (114) may be a hall-effect sensor or any
other suitable sensor.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor module (106) may include a
resistive sensing element which is actuated by the first end of the arm (118). In another
alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor module (106) may include electrical
multi position detection switch. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
sensor module (106) may include rotary position sensor.
In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 6, which a close-up view of the grip
supporting element, in an embodiment of the invention, the first motion transfer means (108)
may include a first gear member (120) and as shown in Figure 7, which a close-up view of
the sensor module, in an embodiment of the invention, the second motion transfer means
(110) include a second gear member (122).
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, which is a close-up view of the grip
supporting element, the first motion transfer means (108) may include a male projecting
member (124) and as shown in Figure 9, which is a close-up view of the sensor module, the
second motion transfer means (110) may include a female receiving member (126).
It may be noted that it is preferred to have a 1:1 relationship between the grip supporting
element (104) and the first motion transfer means (108) i.e. for every 1 degree of rotational
movement of the grip supporting element (104), the first motion transfer means (108) must
rotate by 1 degree. Also, it is preferred to have a 1:1 relationship between the first motion
transfer means (108) and the second motion transfer means (110) i.e. for every 1 degree of
rotational movement of the first motion transfer means (108), the second motion transfer
means (110) must rotate by 1 degree. Furthermore, it is preferred to have 1:1 relationship
between the second motion transfer means (110) and the magnetic field generating element
(112) (or alternatively the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi position detection
12
switch or the rotary position sensor) i.e. for every 1 degree of rotational movement of the
second motion transfer means (110), the magnetic field generating element (112) (or
alternatively the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi position detection switch or
the rotary position sensor) must rotate by 1 degree.
By operably coupling the first motion transfer means (108) to the grip supporting element
(104), it becomes easy to accurately obtain the 1:1 relationship between the grip supporting
element (104) and the first motion transfer means (108).
Further, by preferably providing the first motion transfer means (108) in the form of the first
gear member (120) and by providing the second motion transfer means (110) in the form of
the second gear member (122), it becomes easy to accurately obtain the 1:1 relationship
between the first motion transfer means (108) and the second motion transfer means (110).
Likewise, by operably coupling the second motion transfer means (110) to the second end of
the arm (118), it becomes easy to accurately obtain the 1:1 relationship between the second
motion transfer means (110) and the arm (118).
Furthermore, by operably coupling the magnetic field generating element (112) (or
alternatively the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi position detection switch or
the rotary position sensor) to the first end of the arm (118), it becomes easy to accurately
obtain the 1:1 relationship between the arm (118) and magnetic field generating element
(112) (or alternatively the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi position detection
switch or the rotary position sensor).
Thus, it can be seen that rotation movement of the grip supporting element (104) is
transferred in a 1:1 relationship to the magnetic field generating element (112) i.e. for every 1
degree of rotational movement of the grip supporting element (104), the magnetic field
generating element (112) (or alternatively the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi
position detection switch or the rotary position sensor) rotates accurately by 1 degree.
In relation to the detecting element (114), the rotational movement of the magnetic field
generating element (112) causes variation in the magnetic field as produced by the magnetic
field generating element (112). Based on the variation in the magnetic field, the position of
the grip supporting element (104) is therefore sensed by the detecting element (114). In case
13
the resistive sensing element or the electrical multi position detection switch or the rotary
position sensor is used, the rotational movement causes the corresponding parameter, for
example, resistance, to vary. Based on the variation in the corresponding parameter, the
position of the grip supporting element (104) is therefore sensed by the detecting element
(114).
Generally, the grip supporting element (104) is at a non-actuated state and the user can
control the engine rpm or motor rpm using the grip supporting element (104). For example,
the user may apply actuation force on the grip supporting element (104) so as to rotate in a
first direction with respect to the non-actuated state. The engine rpm or motor rpm depends
upon the angular rotation of the grip supporting element (104) with respect to the nonactuated state. Once the user stops application of the actuation force, the spring member (116)
brings the grip supporting element (104) back to the non-actuated state. In an embodiment of
the invention, in the non-actuated state, the grip supporting element (104) is parked. By way
of a non-limiting example, detents may be provided and detents may be used so that in the
non-actuated state, the grip supporting element (104) is parked.
In an embodiment of the invention, the user may derive additional functions using the grip
supporting element (104).
By way of a first non-limiting example, using the grip supporting element (104), the user can
control the engine rpm or motor rpm and control a regenerative braking system. For example,
the user may apply actuation force on the grip supporting element (104) so as to rotate in a
first direction with respect to the non-actuated state to control the engine rpm or motor rpm
while the user may apply actuation force on the grip supporting element (104) so as to rotate
in a second direction with respect to the non-actuated state to control the regenerative braking
system.
By way of a second non-limiting example, using the grip supporting element (104), the user
can control the engine rpm or motor rpm and control a vehicle start condition. For example,
the user may apply actuation force on the grip supporting element (104) so as to rotate in a
first direction with respect to the non-actuated state to control the engine rpm or motor rpm
while the user may apply actuation force on the grip supporting element (104) so as to rotate
in a second direction with respect to the non-actuated state to control the vehicle start
condition.
14
In case the grip supporting element (104) is used for controlling the engine rpm or motor rpm
and controlling vehicle start condition, as shown in Figure 10, the sensor module may be
adapted to be rotated in a first direction with respect to the non-actuated state for controlling
the engine rpm or motor rpm while the sensor module may be adapted to be rotated in a
second direction with respect to the non-actuated state for controlling the vehicle start
condition.
Similarly, if the grip supporting element (104) is used for controlling the engine rpm or motor
rpm and controlling regenerative braking system, the sensor module may be adapted to be
rotated in a first direction with respect to the non-actuated state to control the engine rpm or
motor rpm while the sensor module may be adapted to be rotated in a second direction with
respect to the non-actuated state for controlling regenerative braking system.
By way of example, the sensor module may be adapted to be rotated in a counter clockwise
direction by a first angular range with respect to the non-actuated state for controlling the
engine rpm or motor rpm. By way of example, the sensor module may be adapted to be
rotated in clockwise direction by a second angular range with respect to the non-actuated
state for controlling the vehicle start condition or for controlling regenerative braking system.
In case the grip supporting element (104) is used for controlling the engine rpm or motor rpm
and controlling vehicle start condition, the sensor module may be provided with additional
sensors or switches. Similarly, in case the grip supporting element (104) is used for
controlling the engine rpm or motor rpm and controlling vehicle start condition, the sensor
module may be provided with additional sensors or switches. By way of a first non-limiting
example, the first end of the arm may additionally be provided with moving contact
mechanism while fixed contact mechanism which may be disposed within the sensor module
(106). By way of a second non-limiting example, a standard electrical switch may be
accommodated within the sensor module and the first end of the arm may be adapted to
actuate the standard electrical switch.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on
account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various
working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive
concept as taught herein.
15
The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a
single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple
functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
Moreover, all elements shown in the diagrams need not be implemented. The scope of
embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations,
whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure,
dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as
given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:

1. An electronic throttle position detecting apparatus (100) comprising:
a switch console (102) defining an internal space;
a grip supporting element (104) extending from the switch console (102), the
grip supporting element (104) being adapted to exhibit rotational movement with
respect to the switch console (102) in response to receiving an actuating force;
a sensor module (106) located within the internal space of the switch console
(102);
a first motion transfer means (108) co-operating with the grip supporting
element (104) and exhibiting motion corresponding to the rotational movement of the
grip supporting element (104); and
a second motion transfer means (110) co-operating with the sensor module
(106) and the first motion transfer means (108) thereby causing transfer of the
rotational movement of the grip supporting element (104) to the sensor module (106).
2. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module (106) accommodates a magnetic field generating element (112) and a
detecting element (114) adapted to detect variation in the magnetic field as produced
by the magnetic field generating element (112).
3. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
sensor module (106) accommodates a magnetic shielding element (128).
4. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising
a spring member (116) disposed within the switch console (102) and being adapted to
apply a restoring force on the grip supporting element (104).
5. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein a
first end of the spring member (116) is attached to the switch console (102) and a
second end of the spring member (116) is attached to the grip supporting element
(104) and the spring member (116) is adapted to exert a rotational restoring force on
the grip supporting element (104).
17
6. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module accommodates an arm (118) defining a first end and a second end, the
first end being adapted to carry the magnetic field generating element (112) and the
second end adapted to co-operate with the second motion transfer means (110).
7. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
arm (118) is adapted to rotate about its axis.
8. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module (106) accommodates a resistive sensing element which is actuated by
the first end of the arm (118).
9. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module (106) accommodates electrical multi position detection switch which is
actuated by the first end of the arm (118).
10. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
sensor module (106) accommodates rotary position sensor which is actuated by the
first end of the arm (118).
11. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first motion transfer means (108) include a first gear member (120) and the second
motion transfer means (110) include a second gear member (122).
12. The electronic throttle position detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first motion transfer means (108) includes a male projecting member (124) and the
second motion transfer means (110) includes a female receiving member (126).