TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a throttle assembly for a. two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle and in particular, relates to a throttle position sensor assembly mounted on a handlebar of the vehicle for sensing throttle position.

BACKGROUND

Throttle position sensors are employed for sensing the instantaneous position of the throttle in a vehicle. The throttle position sensor generates a signal, which corresponds to the throttle position. The signal is transmitted to an electronic control unit (F.Ct.J), which controls various sub systems of the vehicle. The ECU utilizes the signal from the throttle position sensor to alter the ignition timing and fuel injection timing in the vehicle depending upon the position of the throttle.

■Mostly, a contact type throttle position sensor, such as a potentiometer, is employed in vehicles for sensing throttle position, in this type of sensor, a sliding element is attached to a shaft of a throttle valve from one end while the other end of the sliding element is in contact with a resistive body. The end attached To the throttle valve shaft rotates with the rotation of the throttle valve shaft. The rotation of that end of the sliding element-facilitates the other end of the sliding dement to slide over the resistive body. Thus, the position of the sliding end of the sliding element over the resistive body depends on the position of the throttle valve shaft. The position of the sliding end of the sliding element is indicated by the resistive body in the form of a potential difference signal.

Such a contact type throttle position sensor, although widely used, has limitations
such as wear and tear of the sliding element and resistive body due to repeated sliding motion between the sliding element. and the resistive body. Further, in the long run the output obtained from the contact type throttle position sensor has reduced accuracy.

Recently, non-contact type throttle position sensors are employed to overcome the limitations associated with the contact type throttle position sensors. Non-contact type throttle position sensors operate on the principle of Hall Effect. A magnet is attached to a movable throttle shaft and a Hall sensor is mounted on a stationary.- pan such as the throttle body. The throttle shaft is actuated by the user by means of the throttle pipe. which subsequently rotates the magnet attached to the throttle: shaft, thus generating a magnetic field. The Hall sensor detects the change in the magnetic field and generates a voltage signal which eventually corresponds to the position of the throttle valve at that instance. This-signal-is-transferred to the ECU to activate related controls based on the signal received.

In the aforementioned non-contact type throttle position sensors, the Hall sensor is positioned in close proximity to the air intake passage, which makes the whole sensor assembly complex. This complex structure may adversely affect the working and even the life cycle of the throttle position sensor. Further, the number of components used in this type of assembly is large, which leads to high costs and extra time spent in 'assembling. During manufacturing, due to dimensional variations of different components involved in the assembly, the adjustment of components within the, assembly. becomes difficult.

SIMMARY

The subject matter described herein is directed to a throttle assembly and a throttle position sensor assembly having a simplified design with a high level of accuracy. The simplified assembly has a reduced number of components thereby signifying the low cost achievement.

The throttle assembly for a vehicle including handlebar comprises a throttle pipe and a throttle position sensor assembly. The throttle pipe is rotatably attached to the handlebar. The throttle position sensor assembly includes a magnetic element coupled to the throttle pipe such that the magnetic element can rotate along with the throttle pipe. further, the throttle position sensor assembly includes a magnetic sensor coupled to the handlebar so as to be stationary while the throttle pipe rotates. Rotating the throttle pipe results in rotation of the magnetic element placed on throttle pipe which consequently produces a change in the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor, being magnetically coupled to the magnetic element, detects the change in the magnetic field and generates a signal corresponding to the change. This signal corresponding to the change in the magnetic field is directly proportional to the rotation-of the throttle pipe and thus is indicative of the throttle position. This signal is further carried to an electronic control unit (l-Xl') by means such as an electrical conductor connected to the magnetic sensor. The l-.CL' uses the throttle position information for controlling operating condition of the vehicle. 1'he throttle assembly herein is secured to the outer end of either right or left ':"" handlebar. In a preferred embodiment, the throttle assembly is provided on the right handlebar.

The throttle assembly, as aforesaid, has achieved a simplified design with the reduction in the number of components used herein. Further, due to less number of components being used, the cost of the assembly is reduced with the diminution of the time spent during assembling the components with other parts of the engine. "Furthermore, the throttle assembly as described herein provides a high level accuracy. Additionally, the throttle assembly-can be advantageously incorporated in existing : vehicle without significant modifications in the vehicle design.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified' form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features: of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplar)' vehicle, for example a two-wheeler, having a throttle assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
... Fig.2 illustrates a sectional view of: a handlebar of the two-wheeler of Fig.1 : positioning the throttle assembly.

Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of. the handlebar of ,the two-wheeler of Fig.1 depicting the throttle: assembly enclosed in a throttle grip. :
Fig, 4 illustrates a-sectional view of a throttle position sensor assembly of the throttle assembly.

Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b illustrate two different positions of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor of the throttle position sensor assembly in idle and full throttle condition of the two-wheeler of Fig, 1. respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter defines a throttle assembly for vehicles with handlebar. such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ■motorcycles, etc. The throttle assembly includes a throttle position sensor (TPS) assembly and a throttle pipe, the TPS assembly being coupled the throttle pipe. The TPS assembly includes a magnetic element mechanically coupled to the throttle pipe by means of a magnet holderrsueh that the magnetic element is capable of rotating with the throttle pipe.. Also, a magnetic sensor is Coupled to the handlebar using a sensor holder. The magnetic sensor is stationary even as the throttle pipe rotates. The magnetic sensor is magnetically coupled to the magnetic element. The magnetic sensor is connected to. an electronic control unit: (ECU) by an electrical conductor or by other wireless means.. When the throttle pipe is rotated, the magnetic element mounted thereon rotates along with the throttle pipe, thus creating a varying magnetic field. The magnetic field varies in proportion to the rotation of the throttle pipe holding the magnetic element.

The magnetic sensor senses variations in the magnetic field. Accordingly, the magnetic sensor senses the-variation' in the orientation of the magnetic element and generates a corresponding output signal. The output signal is indicative of the position of the throttle pipe relative to the handlebar at that instance. The signal is transmitted from the magnetic sensor to the ECU to activate other related controls.

The ECU utilizes the throttle position signal in selecting a suitable engine operating condition such as ignition tinting, fuel injection timing, engine speed, etc, in accordance with the present embodiment of the subject matter, the TPS assembly is provided at an outer end of the handlebar,

The embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of a two-wheeler, however, they can be embodied in any vehicle with a handlebar, such as a three-wheeler, as mentioned earlier.

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeler 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

For example and by no way limiting the scope of the subject matter, the two-wheeler is a-motorcycle 100. The terms "vehicle", "two-wheeler" and:
'"motorcycle" are hereinafter interchangeably used. The motorcycle 100 includes, in general, a front wheel J 02. a rear wheel. 104. and a frame 106 connecting the front wheel and rear wheel 104. A handlebar 108 is located above the front wheel 102 and connected thereto for steering the motorcycle 100. The handlebar 108 includes a left portion and a right portion on either:: side of the motorcycle 100. The outer end of the handlebar 108 is provided with a grip for facilitating gripping of the handlebar 108 by a rider riding the motorcycle 100.
7

Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the handlebar 108 positioning a throttle assembly 200. The throttle assembly 200 is positioned at the outer end of either the right or left portion to the handlebar 108. In a preferred embodiment, the throttle assembly 200 is provided on the right portion of the handlebar. The throttle assembly 200 includes a throttle pipe 202 and a throttle position sensor (IPS) assembly 204. The throttle pipe 202 is provided on the outer end of either the left portion or the right portion of the handlebar 108 such that it encloses the outer end of the handlebar 108. The throttle pipe 202 can be rotated relative to the handlebar 108 in order to accelerate or decelerate the motorcycle 100. The IPS assembly 204 is detachably mounted at the outer end of the handlebar 108 such that it is mechanically coupled to the throttle pipe 202

The TPS assembly 204 detects the position of the throttle and passes the throttle position information in the form of an electric signal to an electronic control unit t1-X-U) (not shown in Fig. 2} via means such as an electrical conductor 206. The electrical conductor 206 is routed through a slot 208 provided in the handlebar 108. In one implementation, the electrical conductor 206 is a single electrical wire. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the electrical conductor 206 is made up of a plurality of electrical wires enclosed in a single sheath, In the second case, each of the individual electrical wires is sheathed to insulate them from each other. In another embodiment, the signal is transmitted to the 1-X'U by wireless means.
Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the handlebar 108 of the two-wheeler of Fig. I having a throttle assembly 200 enclosed in a throttle grip 300. As shown, the throttle grip 300 serves as an external cover for the throttle assembly 200, The throttle grip 300 may be provided on the outer ends of the left portion as well as the right portion to the

handlebar 108. The throttle grip 300 on protects the throttle assembly 200 from foreign particles, such as dost and rain water.

Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the IPS assembly 204 of the throttle assembly 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The 'I PS assembly 204 of the present subject matter is made modular and-is detachably mounted at the outer end of the handlebar 108. The TPS assembly 204 includes at least one magnetic element 400, at least one magnetic sensor 402. a magnet holder 404 for holding the magnetic element 400, a sensor holder 406 for holding the magnetic sensor 402, and the electrical conductor 206, The magnetic element 400 and magnetic sensor 410 are mounted in such a-manner that they are magnetically coupled to each other, In the present embodiment, the TPS assembly 204 includes a single magnetic element 400 and a single magnetic sensor 402.

The TPS assembly 204 is mounted at the outer end o!" the handlebar 108 such that the magnetic element 400 is mounted on the magnet holder 404, which is "further mounted at the outer end of the throttle pipe 202. In one embodiment, the magnetic element 400 is mounted on the magnet holder 404 using fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, Alternatively, the magnetic element 402 is insert molded inside the magnet holder 404.

The magnet holder 404 of the present embodiment can be either fixed or fitted at the outer ends of the throttle pipe 202 by various means or fasteners known in the art:. The mounting of the magnet holder 404 on the throttle pipe"202 facilitates rotation of the magnetic element 400 along, with the throttle pipe 202. The rotation of the magnetic

clement 401) in conjunction with the throttle pipe 202 produces a magnetic held, which , varies with the rotation of the magnetic element 400.

1 he magnetic element 400 is magnetically coupled to the magnetic sensor 402 mounted on the handlebar 108 through the sensor holder 406. The magnetic sensor 402 detects variations in the magnetic field due to the rotation of the magnetic element 400 and generates corresponding electrical signals. The signals generated by the magnetic sensor 402 are transmitted to the F.CU via the electrical conductor 206 connected to the magnetic .censor 402. In accordance with the present embodiment of the subject matter, the magnetic element 400 is a permanent magnet. The magnetic element 400 can be made rectangular or circular or doughnut in shape. However, in one preferred embodiment the shape of the magnetic element 400 is semi dough-nut.

During operation of the motorcycle 100. the rotation of the throttle grip 300 by (he rider provides rotation to the throttle pipe 202. which in turn rotates the magnetic element 400 connected to it through the magnet holder 404. The rotation of the magnetic element 400 causes a change in the existing magnetic field around the TPS assembly 204. The magnetic sensor 402. which is mounted on the handlebar 108 through the sensor holder 406, senses the change in the magnetic field and transmits a corresponding signal to the l-XY. In different embodiments, the magnetic sensor 402 can be a programmable linear 1 lull I-fleet sensor or a Bi Polar Ilaii Efecet sensor.

In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the TPS assembly 204 includes two magnetic element 400 and two magnetic sensors 402. The dual magnetic element 400 and magnetic sensors 402 arrangement is particularly suitable in hybrid vehicles. In such

arrangements, input of one of the magnetic sensors 402 is provided to the engine for controlling throttle opening whereas input of the other .magnetic' sensors 402 is provided to the electric motor to regulate speed of the motor.

in another embodiment., more, than two magnetic element 400 and magnetic sensors 402 can be used wherein input of different sensors are provided to different ; modules or controls of the vehicle 100. In certain cases, plural magnetic sensors 402 are provided as redundant sensors. Such redundant sensors make the TPS assembly 204 more reliable, since the output from a redundant sensor is available even in case one of the sensors fails.
The TPS assembly 204 of the: present subject matter can be formed as. a modularized assembly.-This modularized assembly can be used in different vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, three wheelers, etc.

Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b illustrate different positions of the magnetic element 400 relative to the magnetic sensor 402 in idle and full throttle conditions of the vehicle 100. respectively.

Fig 5a illustrates a position of the magnetic element 400 relative to the magnetic sensor 402 when the throttle pipe 202 is in neutral state, i.e.. idle During this state of throttle pipe 202, the magnetic element 400 has a zero throttle angle with respect to the magnetic sensor 402. At zero throttle angle, the magnetic flux linking the magnetic element 400 and the magnetic sensor 402 is constant, and there is no change in the magnetic field. Therefore, no signal is generated by the magnetic sensor 402 in this state.

Fig 5b shows the position of the magnetic element 400 relative to the magnetic sensor 402 when the throttle pipe 202 is fully rotated from its neutral state, i.e.. at full throttle state. During this state of throttle pipe 202. trie magnetic element 400 has the maximum throttle angle with respect to the magnetic sensor 402. Due to the rotation of the magnetic element 400, a magnetic field is produced. The magnetic field thus produced varies in accordance with the throttle position angle. The magnetic sensor 402 determines the variation in the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the changed magnetic field as an output. The electrical signal is transmitted to the ECU via the electrical conductor 206. The ECU mainly controls opening and closing of the air intake path, maintaining the air/fuel mixture ratio within the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the magnetic sensor 410 can produce an output that has a variable voltage (e.g., 0-5 Volts) or a fixed voltage (e.g. 0 or 5 Volts) to indicate magnetic field change. which corresponds to the position of the throttle valve.
The aforementioned versions of the subject matter and equivalent thereof have many advantages, including those which are described below.

The throttle assembly 200 of the present subject matter is simple and economical since the number of components used is less. Due to this, the time consumed in manufacturing or assembling the throttle assembly is also substantially reduced.

("he throttle assembly 200 can be modularized for use in any vehicle having a handlebar. No substantial structural change is required, therefore existing handlebar vehicles can be upgraded easily. Moreover, modularization of the TPS assembly 204 saves a considerable amount of time during the line manufacturing of a vehicle. Further.

it avoids any inadvertent error which may occur during the assembling of various components of the TPS assembly 204 in a vehicle,

The throttle assembly 200 can be replaced or dismantled for servicing with case. Also, the throttle assembly 200 is a covered assembly mounted on the handlebar 108 of the vehicle. It avoids wear and tear of the underlying TPS assembly 204 as compared to other conventional throttle position sensor assemblies such as contact type throttle position sensor having potentiometer contact or non-contact type throttle position sensor where the sensor is placed near the throttle valve,

Another advantage of the present subject matter lies in the high level of accuracy achiexed in the measurement of the throttle position.

Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are: also possible, As such, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained therein.

I/We claim:

!. A throttle assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) having a handlebar (108). said throttle assembly (200) comprising:

a throttle pipe (202) provided on said handlebar (108);

a throttle position sensor assembly (204) for detecting the position of said throttle pipe (202) relative to said handlebar (108);

characterized in that.

said throttle position sensor assembly (204) is detachably mounted at an outer end of said handlebar (108). said throttle position sensor assembly (204) comprising.

at least one magnetic element (400) coupled to said throttle pipe (202), such that said magnetic element (400) rotates along with said throttle pipe (202);

at least one magnetic sensor (402) coupled to said handlebar (108). said magnetic sensor (402) being magnetically coupled to said magnetic element (400) and wherein said magnetic sensor (402) generates a signal corresponding to the position of said throttle pipe (202); and
a means for providing said signal to a electronic control unit (HCU) for controlling operating condition of said vehicle (100).

2. The throttle assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ECU controls one or more operating condition including ignition timing, engine speed or duration of opening of air intake path.

3. The throttle assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a throttle grip (300) that encloses said throttle pipe (202) and throttle position sensor assembly (204).

4, A throttle position sensor assembly (204) in a vehicle (100) for detecting the
position of a throttle pipe (202) relative to a handlebar (108) of said vehicle (100).
said throttle position sensor assembly (204) comprising:

at least one magnetic element (400) coupled to said throttle pipe (202), such that said magnetic element (400) rotates along with said throttle pipe (202):

at least one magnetic sensor (402) coupled to said handlebar (108), said magnetic sensor (402) being magnetically coupled to said magnetic element (400) and wherein said magnetic sensor (402) generates a signal corresponding to the position of said throttle pipe (202); and

a means for providing said signal to a electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling operating condition of said vehicle (100).

5, The throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said ECU controls one or more operating condition including ignition timing, engine speed or duration of opening of air intake path.

6, The throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1 or 4. wherein said magnetic sensor (402) is a programmable linear Hall Effect sensor or a bi polar Hail Effect sensor and mounted on said handlebar (108) through a sensor holder (406).

7, 'I he throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim I or 4, wherein said magnetic element (400) is mounted on said throttle pipe (210) through a magnet holder (404).

8, The throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim 7. wherein said magnetic element (400) is insert moulded into said magnet holder (404).

9. The throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1 or 4. wherein
said means for providing said signal is an electrical conductor (220) routed
through a .slot (225) in said handlebar (205).

10. The throttle position sensor assembly (204) as claimed in claim 1 or 4. wherein
said means for providing said signal is a wireless means.