JP3584012B2 - Tilt sensor for boarding means - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inclination sensor of a riding means capable of detecting an inclination of a riding means capable of carrying a person such as a motorcycle, a ship, or a water vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
If the engine continues to be driven even when the motorcycle has fallen, a secondary accident may be induced.Therefore, in order to recognize that the motorcycle has fallen and stop the engine, the inclination of the motorcycle must be adjusted. 2. Description of the Related Art A tilt sensor for detecting has been conventionally proposed. As an example of such a tilt sensor, a plastic magnet (a resin material into which a powder of a magnetic material such as ferrite is mixed) is formed into a pendulum shape, and a magnet which is partially magnetized in a predetermined area at a substantially swing center of the pendulum, One that is swingably supported in a tilt sensor main body fixed to a motorcycle is exemplified.
[0003]
The tilt sensor body has a built-in magnetic sensor capable of detecting a magnetic field generated from the magnetized region of the pendulum, and the state of the pendulum swinging around a fulcrum with the inclination of the motorcycle by the magnetic sensor. Is configured to be detected. That is, when the motorcycle is not tilted, the pendulum is stationary at the center of swing due to gravity, and a magnetic sensor fixed at a position opposite to this position constantly detects a magnetic field generated from the magnetized area, and the motorcycle falls down. When tilted, the pendulum swings relatively to the tilt sensor main body, so that the magnetized area moves away from the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor does not detect the magnetic field.
[0004]
When the determination circuit mounted in the tilt sensor main body detects that this state (ie, the state in which the magnetic sensor does not detect the magnetic field in the magnetized area) has continued for a predetermined time, the motorcycle recognizes that the motorcycle has fallen and starts the engine. A signal is transmitted to the vehicle-side ECU and the like to forcibly stop. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engine from continuing to be driven after falling down, and to improve safety.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional inclination sensor, a determination circuit (specifically, a timer circuit) for detecting that the inclination is continuously performed for a predetermined time is formed in the inclination sensor main body. There was such a problem.
[0006]
That is, the motorcycle generates vibrations due to the driving of the engine, and the vibrations may cause the pendulum to swing temporarily even when the motorcycle is not inclined. Therefore, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field region. If the stop signal of the engine is transmitted immediately after the stop, the engine is stopped even though the vehicle has not fallen down, if the pendulum swings due to the vibration as described above.
[0007]
Therefore, in order to prevent the engine from being stopped by a temporary swing of the pendulum based on the vibration of the vehicle, a signal for stopping the engine is transmitted after the elapse of a predetermined time and the inclination is continuously confirmed during the predetermined time. Although the determination circuit is configured as described above, the predetermined time (time constant) set here is performed based on vibration characteristics that are different for each type of motorcycle, so that adjustment is necessary based on the type of vehicle mounted. Become.
[0008]
However, if a judgment circuit is formed in the inclination sensor, it is necessary to correct the judgment circuit after disassembling the inclination sensor in order to perform the above adjustment, and the adjustment is extremely difficult in consideration of workability and cost. There was a problem that the parts had to be replaced. In addition, there is a problem that components and a manufacturing process for providing the determination circuit are required, and the manufacturing cost is deteriorated.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the above-described conventional tilt sensor, in a state where the magnetic sensor detects magnetism (a state where the motorcycle is not tilted), no current flows through the output line (voltage 0 V), and the magnetic sensor detects magnetism. In the lost state (the state in which the motorcycle is tilted), the current from the battery is supplied to the output line (normally, the voltage is 5 V), so that the wiring in the tilt sensor is broken due to disconnection or short circuit. However, there was a problem that the driver could not be warned.
[0010]
That is, if the wiring in the tilt sensor is broken, the voltage of the current flowing through the output line becomes 0 V, and if the wiring is short-circuited, it becomes 5 V, which is the battery voltage. When the magnetic sensor detects magnetism (0 V) and when it does not detect magnetism Since it is the same as (5V), it cannot be determined whether the voltage is a voltage when the tilt sensor is operating normally or a voltage based on a disconnection or short circuit of the wiring.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object is to facilitate adjustment of a time constant in a determination unit of a tilt sensor, reduce the number of parts and manufacturing steps, and reduce manufacturing costs. A second object of the present invention is to provide a tilt sensor of the riding means which can warn a driver when a wiring in the tilt sensor is disconnected or short-circuited. It is in.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1, wherein a tilt sensor main body fixed to a boarding means on which a person can be boarded, and a moving body which can move relative to the tilt sensor main body when the boarding means is tilted and generate a magnetic field, A sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated from the moving body when the riding means is not tilted, and measuring a time during which the magnetic field is not detected by the sensor, and the time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time constant based on a vibration characteristic of the riding means. A determination means for determining that the riding means has fallen in some cases, the inclination sensor of the riding means, wherein the determining means is arranged in the riding means and controls an engine of the riding means, and the time constant is It is provided in an ECU having a predetermined program, and the time constant can be adjusted for each riding means by changing the program .
[0013]
According to such a configuration, when the riding means inclines, the tilt sensor main body and the moving body relatively move, and the sensor unit does not detect a magnetic field generated from the moving body. When the determination means in the ECU recognizes that the non-detection time of the magnetic field has continued for the time constant or more, it is determined that the riding means has fallen, and the engine is forcibly stopped. Here, the time constant for judging a fall is adjusted by changing software (program) for operating the ECU.
[0014]
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the output voltage output from the sensor unit to the ECU has a lower limit set to be higher than 0 and an upper limit set to be lower than the power supply voltage.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sensor section is connected to a power supply line connected to a power supply mounted on the boarding means, a ground line connected to grounding means, and an output line connected to the ECU. When the sensor unit detects a magnetic field generated from the moving body, the current from the power supply line flows to the ground line. When the magnetic field is not detected, the current from the power supply line flows to the output line. And a resistance bridge connecting the output line and the output line.
[0016]
According to this configuration, when the riding means is in the non-inclined state and the sensor unit detects the magnetic field of the moving body, the current flowing from the power supply line flows to the ground line via the sensor unit and is grounded. At the same time, a very small amount of current flows from the ground line to the output line via the resistor bridge. Therefore, the lower limit value of the output voltage with respect to the output line is set higher than 0 by the minute amount of the current.
[0017]
When the riding means is inclined and the sensor unit does not detect the magnetic field of the moving body, the current flowing from the power supply line flows to the output line via the sensor unit, and a part of the current flows through the resistance bridge. Through to the ground line. Therefore, the upper limit value of the output voltage with respect to the output line is set lower than the power supply voltage by the minute amount of current.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The tilt sensor according to the present embodiment is fixed to a motorcycle as shown in FIG. 7 and detects a tilt with respect to a falling direction a. As shown in FIGS. , A pendulum 2 as a moving body, a magnetic sensor 3 as a sensor unit, and a determination unit 8.
[0019]
The tilt sensor main body 1 is made of a synthetic resin and has a housing portion 1a capable of housing the substrate 4 on which an electric circuit is printed from the opening end 1aa, and is integrally connected from the housing portion 1a to be connected and fixed to the vehicle side. And a bracket portion 1b formed with two bolt holes 1ba through which bolts can be inserted. The bracket portion 1b is fixed to the motorcycle and operates integrally with the motorcycle (that is, the motorcycle). (Inclination with inclination).
[0020]
The substrate 4 fixes the magnetic sensor 3 and other elements and wires them, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, three terminals 4aa, 4ab and 4ac electrically connected to the wires. And an insertion hole 4b through which the shaft 2b formed in the pendulum 2 can be inserted. The insertion hole 4b is formed at a position corresponding to the support notch 5a of the support member 5, and the pendulum 2 swings when the shaft 2b is inserted into both the support notch 5a and the insertion hole 4b. It is movably supported.
[0021]
The support member 5 is made of a hard resin. Two opposing arms 5b each having a support notch 5a at the tip thereof are formed so as to protrude from the base 5c. A terminal insertion hole 5d for inserting one terminal 4a is formed. The supporting member 5 is inserted into the tilt sensor main body 1 from the opening end 1aa in a state where the pendulum 2 and the substrate 4 are assembled, and functions to support the pendulum 2 and each component is accommodated in the housing portion 1a of the tilt sensor main body 1. It also has the function of being enclosed in
[0022]
After the support member 5 is assembled in the tilt sensor main body 1, the locking member 7 locks the base 5c side via the sealing member 6 made of soft resin or rubber. That is, the protrusions 7a formed on both side surfaces of the locking member 7 are locked in the locking holes 1c of the tilt sensor main body 1, so that the support member 5 is securely included in the housing portion 1a. Note that, even when the locking member 7 is locked to the tilt sensor main body 1, the terminal 4a protrudes to the outside, and a connector or the like is connected to the terminal 4a to be electrically connected to the vehicle. ing.
[0023]
As described above, the pendulum 2 is swingably supported by the tilt sensor main body 1 via the shaft 2b, swings according to the tilt of the motorcycle, and has a plastic magnet 2a partially inserted therein. is there. When the motorcycle is not tilted, the pendulum 2 is stationary at a position where the plastic magnet 2 a faces the magnetic sensor 3. When the pendulum 2 swings about the shaft 2 b, the tilt sensor main body moves so that the plastic magnet 2 a moves away from the magnetic sensor 3. 1 is assembled.
[0024]
The plastic magnet 2a is made of resin material mixed with powder of a magnetic material such as ferrite, and generates a magnetic field by a magnetizing operation. In other words, the plastic magnet 2a in a molten state is poured into a portion of the pendulum 2 in the figure, and is magnetized by an electromagnet or the like during cooling or solidification or thereafter to form a magnetic field region. As a result, the magnetic field region of the pendulum 2 is generated only in the plastic magnet 2a (because the outside is made of a non-magnetic material), and is not generated outside. In addition to being able to clarify, the inclination detection accuracy can be improved.
[0025]
The magnetic sensor 3 detects whether or not a magnetic field region generated by the plastic magnet 2a of the pendulum 2 is at a predetermined position with respect to the tilt sensor main body 1 (a position where the vehicle stands still when the vehicle is not tilted). When it is detected that the vehicle is not at the position (that is, when no magnetic field is detected), a signal (a signal based on a voltage change) is transmitted to the vehicle. As the magnetic sensor 3, various general-purpose products can be used as long as they can detect magnetism in a magnetic field region. For example, a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, or the like can be used.
[0026]
The judging means 8 is provided in the ECU 9 provided in the motorcycle, and is electrically connected to the inclination sensor A as shown in FIG. (A signal based on a voltage change due to the swing of the pendulum 2) can be transmitted to the determination means 8. The determination means 8 is configured to measure a time during which the inclination sensor A does not detect a magnetic field, and to determine that the motorcycle has fallen when the time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 9 is disposed on the motorcycle while being electrically connected to the engine E, and electronically controls the engine of the motorcycle. It is composed of a processing circuit, an arithmetic circuit, an output signal circuit (drive circuit), a power supply circuit, and the like, and these are configured to be operable by software (program) for operating the ECU 9.
[0028]
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined element is arranged and wiring constituting each line is printed on the substrate 4, and terminals 4aa, 4ab and 4ac are provided at the ends of the line. Have been. The terminal 4aa is connected to a battery (power supply) mounted on the motorcycle, the terminal 4ac is grounded to ground means, and the terminal 4ab is connected to the determination means 8 in the ECU 9 (see FIG. 1).
[0029]
In the figure, a magnetic sensor 3 includes a power supply line L1 connected to a battery (not shown), a ground line L3 connected to grounding means (ground means not shown), and an output line L2 connected to the ECU 9. When the magnetic sensor 3 detects a magnetic field generated by a magnetic region formed in the pendulum 2, the current from the power supply line L1 flows to the ground line L3, and when no magnetic field is detected, the power supply line It is configured so that the current from L1 can flow to the output line L2.
[0030]
A line L4 having a Zener diode is connected to the power supply line L1 and the ground line L3. The line L4 is grounded to protect the magnetic sensor 3 when an excessive current exceeding a predetermined value flows from the terminal 4aa. A line L5 having a capacitor is connected to the output line L2 and the ground line L3, and is configured to remove noise of a signal transmitted from the terminal 4ab to the ECU 9 side. .
[0031]
Further, in the present embodiment, a resistance bridge L6 (about 15 kΩ in resistance) connecting the output line L2 and the ground line L3 is provided, and a part of the current to flow from the terminal 4ab to the ECU 9 is transferred to the ground line L3. And a part of the current to be grounded from the terminal 4ac can flow to the output line L2 side.
[0032]
According to the above configuration, when the motorcycle is in the non-inclination state, a current (voltage 5 V) from the power supply passes through the power supply line L1 and is sent to the ground line L3 via the magnetic sensor 3, and a part of the resistance is transmitted to the ground line L3. It flows to the output line L2 via the bridge L6 and is sent to the ECU 9 side of the vehicle via the terminal 4ab. On the other hand, when the motorcycle is tilted, a current (5V) from the power supply passes through the power supply line L1 and then to the magnetic field. The signal is sent to the output line L2 via the sensor 3, and a part thereof is sent to the ground line L3 side via the resistance bridge L6 to be grounded.
[0033]
Therefore, the lower limit value of the output voltage output from the magnetic sensor 3 to the ECU 9 is higher than 0 by the amount of current flowing from the resistance bridge L6, and the upper limit value is equal to the power supply voltage by the amount of current flowing out of the resistance bridge L6. (5 V), the output voltage is set to 0 V when a circuit formed by wiring on the substrate 4 is defective (when the circuit is disconnected, the output voltage is 0 V, and when a part of the circuit is short-circuited, the output voltage is (The voltage is 5 V), and the driver or the like can be warned of such cases.
[0034]
When the resistance R in FIG. 2 is about 510Ω, the output voltage when the vehicle is not inclined is about 0.4 to 1.4 V, and the output voltage when the vehicle is inclined is 3.7 to 4.4 V. When the output voltage becomes 0 V or 5 V, it can be understood that a malfunction has occurred in the circuit. On the other hand, when the output voltage becomes about 3.7 to 4.4 V, the determination means 9 determines whether the voltage value continues for a predetermined time, and determines whether to stop the engine E.
[0035]
According to the tilt sensor A having the above-described configuration, the determination unit 8 measures the time during which the vehicle continuously tilts, and determines that the motorcycle has fallen only when the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Since the engine E is controlled to stop, even if the pendulum 2 swings temporarily due to the vibration of the engine of the motorcycle or the like, the engine E is stopped unless the swinging state continues for a predetermined time. Therefore, the reliability of the tilt sensor A can be improved.
[0036]
Incidentally, the predetermined time (time constant) is to be adjusted by vibration characteristics based on the weight of the motorcycle, the engine, and the like, and the adjustment that differs for each vehicle type is performed by changing a program (inputting a time constant) in the ECU 9. Performed on software. As described above, in the tilt sensor according to the present embodiment, since the determination means 8 is provided in the ECU 9 and the time constant is adjusted on the software thereof, the adjustment of the time constant is easy and the conventional tilt sensor is used. It is possible to reduce the number of parts and the manufacturing process, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the tilt sensor, as compared with the case where a separate judging means is provided.
[0037]
The present embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a resistor bridge L7 connecting the power supply line L1 and the output line L2 is arranged together with the resistor bridge L6. May be provided. In this case, even when the vehicle is not tilted, a small amount of current flows from the power supply line L1 to the output line L2, and the lower limit value of the output voltage can be further increased. Can be easier.
[0038]
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a motorcycle that recognizes a fall of the motorcycle and stops the engine. However, for example, in addition to the motorcycle, a person with an outboard motor or a water vehicle can be mounted. The vehicle may be fixed to various types of boarding means to recognize these falls. Furthermore, as a form of the tilt sensor, other than the one that detects the swing of the pendulum 2 as in the present embodiment, the present invention may be applied to a tilt sensor having another configuration.
[0039]
For example, when a vehicle has a magnet (moving body) that can move in a V-shaped groove and a magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a magnet that is stationary at an acute angle portion of the V-shaped groove, the vehicle is not tilted. The present invention may be applied to a tilt sensor having a configuration in which the vehicle is recognized as being in a tilted state when it is recognized that the vehicle is in a tilted state and the magnet moves from that position and the magnetic sensor stops detecting the magnetic field.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the determination means is provided in the ECU having the program in which the determination means is provided in the boarding means to control the engine of the boarding means and the time constant is set, and the program is changed. The time constant based on the vibration characteristics of the boarding means can be adjusted by inputting a constant), thereby facilitating the adjustment of the time constant in the judgment means of the tilt sensor for each boarding means , reducing the number of parts and manufacturing steps, and reducing the inclination sensor. Manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0041]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the lower limit value of the output voltage output from the sensor unit to the ECU is set higher than 0 and the upper limit value is set lower than the power supply voltage, the wiring in the tilt sensor is disconnected or short-circuited. Unlike the voltage values in the cases, the driver can be warned of those cases.
[0042]
According to the invention of claim 3, the lower limit value of the output voltage with respect to the output line can be set higher than 0 and the upper limit value can be set lower than the power supply voltage with a simple configuration, and the wiring in the tilt sensor is disconnected or short-circuited. Since the voltage value can be different from the case, the driver can be warned of such a case.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a tilt sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram showing a tilt sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an inclination sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inclination sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a motorcycle.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inclination sensor main body 1a ... Housing part 1aa ... Open end 1b ... Bracket part 1ba ... Bolt hole 1c ... Locking hole 2 ... Pendulum (moving body)
2a: Plastic magnet 2b: Shaft 3: Magnetic sensor (sensor part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Board | substrate 4aa, 4ab, 4ac ... Terminal 5 ... Support member 5a ... Support notch 5b ... Arm part 5c ... Base part 5d ... Terminal insertion hole 6 ... Seal member 7 ... Lock member 7a ... Convex part 8 ... Judgment means 9 ... ECU
A: Tilt sensor E: Engine L1: Power line L2: Output line L3: Ground lines L6, L7: Resistance bridge

Claims (3)

An inclination sensor main body fixed to a boarding means capable of carrying a person,
A moving body that moves relative to the tilt sensor main body when the riding means tilts, and that can generate a magnetic field;
A sensor unit for detecting a magnetic field generated from the moving body when the riding means is not inclined,
Measuring means for measuring a time during which no magnetic field is detected by the sensor unit, and determining that the boarding means has fallen when the time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time constant based on the vibration characteristics of the boarding means;
In the inclination sensor of the boarding means having
The judging means is provided in an ECU having a program in which the time constant is determined and which is arranged in the boarding means and controls an engine of the boarding means. An inclination sensor for a boarding means, wherein a constant can be adjusted . The inclination sensor according to claim 1, wherein a lower limit value of the output voltage output from the sensor unit to the ECU is set higher than 0 and an upper limit value is set lower than the power supply voltage. The sensor unit includes:
A power supply line connected to a power supply mounted on the boarding means;
A ground line connected to the grounding means,
An output line connected to the ECU;
In the state where the sensor unit detects the magnetic field generated from the moving body, the current from the power supply line flows to the ground line, and in the state where the magnetic field is not detected, the current from the power supply line flows to the output line.
3. The inclination sensor according to claim 2, further comprising a resistance bridge connecting the ground line and the output line.

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