Speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles

Abstract

A speed change controller is provided on a saddle-ride type vehicle and is suited to manipulation by a foot. The speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles comprises a detection mechanism that detects operation by a driver for speed change, and a speed change mechanism that performs speed change on the basis of speed change operation detected by the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism provided by the invention comprises an operation part manipulated by a foot for speed change and including a moving part, which moves relative to the vehicle on the basis of manipulation by a foot, and a detection unit that detects that the moving part moves a predetermined amount or more.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A detection mechanism for changing a speed of a saddle-type vehicle, the detection mechanism comprising:
 a shift pedal to be operated by a foot of a driver; and   a detection unit that detects operation of the shift pedal by the driver to perform a speed change.   
     
     
         3 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a base portion, wherein the detection unit and the shift pedal are supported by the base portion and arranged to be attached to a vehicle frame or an engine case as an integral unit via the base portion. 
     
     
         4 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a return mechanism arranged to return the shift pedal to a neutral position. 
     
     
         5 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a base portion, wherein the detection unit, the shift pedal, and the return mechanism are supported by the base portion and arranged to be attached to a vehicle frame or an engine case as an integral unit via the base portion. 
     
     
         6 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a base portion, wherein the base portion includes at least one mount hole to attach the base portion to a vehicle frame or an engine case. 
     
     
         7 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a stopper mechanism arranged to restrict a moving range of the shift pedal. 
     
     
         8 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the shift pedal includes a pedal portion and an arm portion, the pedal portion is arranged to be directly operated by the foot of the driver, and the detection unit directly detects movement of the arm portion. 
     
     
         9 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the detection unit is arranged to output a signal corresponding to the operation of the shift pedal to an engine control unit. 
     
     
         10 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the detection unit is arranged to detect that the shift pedal is rotated by a predetermined amount or more. 
     
     
         11 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the detection unit includes a potentiometer. 
     
     
         12 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the detection unit includes two switches arranged to detect movement of the shift pedal in two different directions. 
     
     
         13 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the detection unit is arranged to detect a load applied by the operation of the shift pedal. 
     
     
         14 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the detection unit is arranged to directly detect movement of a moving portion of the shift pedal. 
     
     
         15 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a link member arranged between the shift pedal and the detection unit. 
     
     
         16 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the link member is adjustable in length so that a position of the shift pedal relative to the detection unit is adjustable. 
     
     
         17 . The detection mechanism as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a sensation signal generating mechanism that transmits a sensation signal to the driver through the shift pedal when the shift pedal is operated by the foot of the driver.