Steering signal switch for saddle type vehicle

Abstract

The steering signal switch can improve operability of a rider to the steering signal switch. A turn signal switch (21) for a straddle-type vehicle is provided with a housing (23), an operating lever (22), and a receiving surface (34). The operating lever (22) is supported by the housing (23) so as to be capable of swinging from a neutral position to the left and right. The receiving surface (34) is disposed within the housing (23). The receiving surface (34) has a V-shape in contact with the operating lever (22). The operating lever (22) includes a sliding portion (29). The sliding part (29) slides on the receiving surface (34) according to the left-right swinging operation of the operation rod (22). The receiving surface (34) includes protrusions (51, 52) for imparting a click feeling during the left-right swing operation of the operation lever (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a turn signal switch for a motorcycle-type vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A turn signal switch is installed on a motorcycle. The turn signal switch is operated by the rider to illuminate the left and right hazard lights. For example, as in Patent Document 1, the turn signal switch includes a housing, an operating lever, and a receiving surface. The operating lever is supported in the housing in a manner that allows it to swing left and right from a neutral position. The receiving surface has a V-shaped shape and contacts a sliding portion at the front end of the operating lever. When the rider swings the operating lever left or right, the sliding portion of the operating lever slides on the receiving surface. When the rider's finger leaves the operating lever, the operating lever returns to the neutral position due to the reaction force from the receiving surface.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-192581 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned turn signal switch, when the sliding part of the operating lever slides on the receiving surface, the tactile feedback of the operating lever is transmitted to the rider's fingers. The tactile feedback of the operating lever affects the rider's operability of the turn signal switch. The purpose of this invention is to improve the rider's operability of the turn signal switch.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a turn signal switch for a motorcycle includes a housing, an operating lever, and a receiving surface. The operating lever is supported in the housing in a manner that allows it to swing left and right from a neutral position. The receiving surface is disposed within the housing. The receiving surface has a V-shaped shape that contacts the operating lever. The operating lever includes a sliding portion. The sliding portion slides on the receiving surface according to the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever. The receiving surface includes a protrusion for providing a click feel during the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever.

[0010] In this type of turn signal switch, a protrusion providing a click sensation during the left-right swinging operation of the control lever is provided on the receiving surface. Therefore, when the rider swings the control lever left and right, the sliding part of the control lever passes over the protrusion, allowing the rider to feel the click sensation. Especially since riders of motorcycles often wear gloves and operate the control lever without looking at their hands, even in such cases, the rider can easily determine the completion of the control lever operation by feeling the click sensation. This improves the rider's operability of the turn signal switch.

[0011] The receiving surface may also include a bottom, a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The first inclined surface extends inclined to one side from the bottom. The second inclined surface extends inclined to the other side from the bottom. The first protrusion is disposed between the bottom and the first inclined surface. The second protrusion is disposed between the bottom and the second inclined surface. In this case, the rider can feel a click as the sliding part passes over the first or second protrusion.

[0012] The bottom can also have an arc shape. The first and second inclined surfaces can also extend in straight lines from the bottom. In this case, a first convex portion is formed by the change in shape between the bottom and the first inclined surface. Additionally, a second convex portion is formed by the change in shape between the bottom and the second inclined surface. Through these changes in shape, the rider can feel a click sensation.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, the rider's operability of the turn signal switch can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the switch box.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the turn signal switch.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the turn signal switch.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 VV cross-sectional view of the turn signal switch in the diagram.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 VI-VI cross-sectional view of the turn signal switch in the diagram.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Section VII-VII of the turn signal switch.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the shell.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the movable part at the first illuminated position.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the movable part at the second illuminated position.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the sliding part when the control lever is operated to the left.

[0026] Figure 12 This diagram shows the pressing part and movable parts when the control lever is operated to the left and then returns to the neutral position.

[0027] Figure 13 This is an enlarged view of the bearing surface.

[0028] Figure 14 This is an enlarged view of the bearing surface in the first variation.

[0029] Figure 15 This is an enlarged view of the bearing surface in the second variation. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, the implementation of the straddle-type vehicle will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a side view of the straddle-type vehicle 1 in this embodiment. The straddle-type vehicle 1 in this embodiment is a small motorcycle. Figure 1 As shown, the motorcycle 1 includes a frame 2, a steering mechanism 3, a front wheel 4, a seat 5, a power unit 6, and a rear wheel 8. Furthermore, in the following description, the forward, backward, left, and right directions of the motorcycle 1 refer to the forward, backward, left, and right directions as observed from the rider seated on the seat 5.

[0031] The vehicle body 2 includes a front cover 11, a rear cover 12, and a foot pedal 13. The front cover 11 covers the steering mechanism 3. The rear cover 12 is located below the seat 5. The foot pedal 13 is located between the front cover 11 and the rear cover 12.

[0032] A headlight unit 16 is mounted on the front hood 11. The headlight unit 16 includes left and right front flashers 17. A taillight unit 18 is mounted on the rear hood. The taillight unit 18 includes left and right rear flashers 19. Additionally, in... Figure 1 The image only shows the left flash unit 17 and 19.

[0033] The steering mechanism 3 is supported on the vehicle body 2 in a manner that allows it to turn left and right. The steering mechanism 3 includes a front fork 14 and a handlebar assembly 15. The front fork 14 supports the front wheel 4 so that it can rotate. The handlebar assembly 15 is connected to the upper end of the front fork 14. The power unit 6 is located below the seat 5. The power unit 6 supports the rear wheel 8 so that it can rotate. The power unit 6 may include, for example, an engine. Alternatively, the power unit 6 may also include an electric motor.

[0034] A switch box 20 is installed on the handle component 15. Figure 2 This is a 3D view of switch box 20. (See diagram below.) Figure 2As shown, a turn signal switch 21 is installed in the switch box 20. When the rider operates the turn signal switch 21, the hazard lights 17 and 19 are illuminated.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the turn signal switch 21. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the turn signal switch 21. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 VV cross-sectional view of the turn signal switch 21 in the diagram. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The VI-VI cross-sectional view of the turn signal switch 21 in the diagram. Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the VII-VII cross-section of the turn signal switch 21. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the turn signal switch 21 includes an operating lever 22, a housing 23, a support component 24, and a switching mechanism 25.

[0036] A portion of the operating lever 22, housing 23, support member 24, and switching mechanism 25 are disposed within the switch box 20. The operating lever 22 includes a knob 26, a lever portion 27, a rotating shaft 28, a sliding portion 29, a first force-applying member 30, and a pressing portion 31. The knob 26 is disposed on the outside of the switch box 20. The knob 26 is operated by the rider's fingers. The handle 26 is mounted on the front end of the lever portion 27. The lever portion 27 extends forward from the knob 26. The rotating shaft 28 protrudes upward and downward from the lever portion 27. The rotating shaft 28 is disposed between the knob 26 and the pressing portion 31. The rotating shaft 28 is supported by the housing 23 and the support member 24.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 23 includes an elongated hole 32. The elongated hole 32 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 23 and extends in the front-rear direction. The support member 24 includes a support groove 33. The upper part of the rotating shaft 28 is disposed in the elongated hole 32 of the housing 23. The lower part of the rotating shaft 28 is disposed in the support groove 33 of the support member 24. Thus, the operating lever 22 is supported on the housing 23 and the support member 24 in a manner that allows it to swing left and right about the rotating shaft 28. In addition, the operating lever 22 is supported on the housing 23 and the support member 24 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of shell 23. (Example) Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, a receiving surface 34 is disposed within the housing 23. The receiving surface 34 protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 23. The receiving surface 34 has a V-shaped shape and contacts the sliding portion 29 of the operating lever 22. Figure 6As shown, the receiving surface 34 includes a bottom 35, a first inclined surface 36, and a second inclined surface 37. The first inclined surface 36 extends inclined to one side from the bottom 35. The second inclined surface 37 extends inclined to the other side from the bottom 35. In this embodiment, the first inclined surface 36 extends inclined to the right from the bottom 35. The second inclined surface 37 extends inclined to the left from the bottom 35. However, the first inclined surface 36 and the second inclined surface 37 may also be configured in the opposite left-right configuration.

[0039] The sliding portion 29 has a spherical shape. The sliding portion 29 contacts the receiving surface 34. A first force-applying member 30 applies force to the sliding portion 29 toward the receiving surface 34. The first force-applying member 30 is disposed between the sliding portion 29 and the rod portion 27. The first force-applying member 30 is, for example, a coil spring. The first force-applying member 30 is supported on the rod portion 27. Figure 6 As shown, a recess 38 is provided at the front end of the lever 27. A helical spring is disposed within the recess 38. The sliding part 29 slides on the receiving surface 34 according to the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever 22.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the switching mechanism 25 includes a movable member 40, a second force-applying member 41, and a stop member 42. The movable member 40 is supported on the support member 24 in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction. A pressing part 31 protrudes downward from the lever part 27. The pressing part 31 presses the movable member 40 according to the action of the operating lever 22, thereby moving the movable member 40. The support member 24 includes a guide groove 43. The guide groove 43 extends in the left-right direction. The movable member 40 is pressed left and right by the pressing part 31, thereby moving along the guide groove 43 in the left-right direction.

[0041] Specifically, the movable part 40 includes pressing surfaces 44 and 45. The pressing surfaces 44 and 45 are pressed by the pressing part 31. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the pressed surfaces 44 and 45 include a first pressed surface 44 and a second pressed surface 45. A pressing portion 31 is disposed between the first pressed surface 44 and the second pressed surface 45. The first pressed surface 44 is disposed on the right side of the pressing portion 31. The first pressed surface 44 extends obliquely to the right relative to the front-back direction. The second pressed surface 45 is disposed on the left side of the pressing portion 31. The second pressed surface 45 extends obliquely to the left relative to the front-back direction.

[0042] The stop member 42 has a spherical shape. For example... Figure 8As shown, a neutral holding portion 47, a first holding portion 48, and a second holding portion 49 are provided on the inner surface of the housing 23. The neutral holding portion 47, the first holding portion 48, and the second holding portion 49 are each recessed from the inner surface of the housing 23. The neutral holding portion 47, the first holding portion 48, and the second holding portion 49 are each curved in an arc. The first holding portion 48 is located on the right side of the neutral holding portion 47. The second holding portion 49 is located on the left side of the neutral holding portion 47.

[0043] The stop 42 of the second force-applying member 41 applies force toward the inner surface of the housing 23. With the stop 42 pressed against the neutral holding part 47 by the second force-applying member 41, the movable member 40 is held in place. Figure 7 The neutral holding position is shown. With the stop 42 pressed against the first holding portion 48 by the second force-applying member 41, the movable member 40 is held in the neutral holding position. Figure 9 The first illuminated position is shown. With the stop 42 pressed against the second holding portion 49 by the second force-applying member 41, the movable member 40 remains in the position shown. Figure 10 The second illuminated position is shown.

[0044] The switching mechanism 25 includes a detection device (not shown) and switches the flash illumination state based on the position of the movable member 40. When the movable member 40 is in the neutral holding position, the switching mechanism 25 turns off all flashes. When the movable member 40 is in the first illumination position, the switching mechanism 25 turns on the left flash. When the movable member 40 is in the second illumination position, the switching mechanism 25 turns on the right flash. The detection device may also include contacts, for example, and the switching mechanism 25 switches the flash illumination state by switching the contacts.

[0045] Next, the operation of the turn signal switch 21 will be explained. When the rider does not operate the lever 22, the lever 22 is in the position... Figure 6 In the position shown by the neutral post, the sliding part 29 contacts the bottom 35 of the receiving surface 34. In this state, as... Figure 7 As shown, the pressing part 31 does not contact the first pressed surface 44 or the second pressed surface 45. In addition, the stop member 42 is located inside the neutral holding part 47, and the movable part 40 is held in the neutral holding position.

[0046] When the rider presses knob 26 to the left, the lever 22 rotates clockwise around axis 28 when viewed from above. Thus, as... Figure 11 As shown, the sliding part 29 slides on the first inclined surface 36. Additionally, as... Figure 9As shown, the first pressed surface 44 is pressed towards the right by the pressing part 31, and the movable part 40 moves to the right. As a result, the stop 42 moves into the first holding part 48, and the movable part 40 is held in the first illuminated position. As a result, the left-side flashlight is illuminated.

[0047] When the rider releases their finger from the knob 26, the reaction force from the first inclined surface 36, through the force exerted by the first force-applying component 30, causes the sliding part 29 to return to the bottom 35, and the operating lever 22 to return. Figure 6 The position of the neutral pole is shown. Therefore, as... Figure 12 As shown, the pressing part 31 moves away from the first pressed surface 44 and returns to the central pole position, but the movable part 40 remains in the first illuminated position. Therefore, the left-side flash continues to illuminate.

[0048] When the rider presses the knob 26 forward, the operating lever 22 moves forward, and the pressing part 31 also moves forward. By pressing the second pressed surface 45 forward with the pressing part 31, the movable part 40 moves to the left. As a result, the stop member 42 moves inward into the neutral holding part 47, as... Figure 7 As shown, the movable part 40 is held in a neutral holding position. As a result, the flash on the left is turned off.

[0049] Although the illustration is omitted, if the rider presses knob 26 to the right, the right-side flashlight illuminates through the opposite left-right motion described above. That is, when looking down at the vehicle, the operating lever 22 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 28, and the sliding part 29 slides on the second inclined surface 37. (As shown...) Figure 10 As shown, the second pressed surface 45 is pressed towards the left by the pressing part 31, and the movable part 40 moves to the left. As a result, the stop member 42 moves into the second holding part 49, and the movable part 40 is held in the second illuminated position. As a result, the flash on the right side is illuminated.

[0050] When the rider releases their finger from the knob 26, the sliding part 29 returns to the bottom 35 due to the reaction force from the second inclined surface 37, caused by the force exerted by the first force-applying member 30. The operating lever 22 then returns to the center position. Consequently, the pressing part 31 moves away from the second pressed surface 45 and returns to the center position, but the movable part 40 remains in the second illuminated position. Therefore, the right-side flash continues to illuminate.

[0051] When the rider presses the knob 26 forward, the operating lever 22 moves forward, and the pressing part 31 also moves forward. By pressing the first pressed surface 44 forward with the pressing part 31, the movable part 40 moves to the right. As a result, the stop member 42 moves inward into the neutral holding part 47, and the movable part 40 is held in the neutral holding position. As a result, the right-side flash light is turned off.

[0052] Next, the structure of the bearing surface 34 will be described in detail. Figure 13 This is an enlarged view of the receiving surface 34. (See attached image.) Figure 13 As shown, the device includes protrusions 51 and 52 for providing a click feel during left-right swinging of the operating lever 22. Specifically, the receiving surface 34 includes a first protrusion 51 and a second protrusion 52. The first protrusion 51 is disposed between the bottom 35 and the first inclined surface 36. The second protrusion 52 is disposed between the bottom 35 and the second inclined surface 37.

[0053] The bottom 35 has an arc-shaped shape. The bottom 35 has a shape that matches the spherical shape of the sliding part 29. The first inclined surface 36 and the second inclined surface 37 each have a straight shape. The first protrusion 51 is formed by the change in shape between the bottom 35 and the first inclined surface 36. The second protrusion 52 is formed by the change in shape between the bottom 35 and the second inclined surface 37.

[0054] In the turn signal switch 21 of this embodiment, protrusions 51 and 52 for providing a click sensation during the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever 22 are provided on the receiving surface 34. Therefore, when the rider swings the operating lever 22 left and right, the sliding part 29 of the operating lever 22 passes over the protrusions 51 and 52, so that the rider can feel the click sensation.

[0055] For example, when the rider presses the knob 26 of the control lever 22 to the left, the sliding part 29 passes over the first protrusion 51, allowing the rider to feel a click. Similarly, when the rider presses the knob 26 of the control lever 22 to the right, the sliding part 29 passes over the second protrusion 52, allowing the rider to feel a click. By feeling these clicks, the rider can easily determine whether the operation has been completed. This improves the rider's operability of the turn signal switch 21.

[0056] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] The straddle-type vehicle is not limited to a small motorcycle, but can also be a motorcycle, street-type, off-road-type, or other types of vehicle. The construction of the turn signal switch 21 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified. For example, the construction of the operating lever 22, housing 23, and switching mechanism 25 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified.

[0058] The shape of the receiving surface 34 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified. For example, Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the bearing surface 34 of the first modified example. (See diagram below.) Figure 14 As shown, protrusions 51 and 52 can also be provided by forming protrusions on the receiving surface 34. Figure 15This is a diagram showing the receiving surface 34 of the second modified example. (See diagram below.) Figure 15 As shown, protrusions 51 and 52 can also be provided by forming a recess in the receiving surface 34.

[0059] Industrial applicability

[0060] According to the present invention, the rider's operability of the turn signal switch can be improved.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0062] 21: Turn signal switch

[0063] 22: Control lever

[0064] 23: Shell

[0065] 29: Sliding part

[0066] 34: Receiving surface

[0067] 35: Bottom

[0068] 36: First inclined plane

[0069] 37: Second inclined surface

[0070] 51: First convex part

[0071] 52: Second convex part

Claims

1. A turn signal switch for a motorcycle-type vehicle, comprising: case; The control lever is supported in the housing in a manner that allows it to swing left and right from a neutral position; as well as A V-shaped receiving surface is disposed within the housing and contacts the operating lever; The operating lever includes a sliding part, which slides on the bearing surface according to the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever. The receiving surface includes a protrusion for providing a click sensation during the left and right swinging operation of the operating lever.

2. The turn signal switch according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving surface includes: bottom; The first inclined surface extends obliquely to one side from the bottom; The second inclined surface extends obliquely from the bottom to the other side; A first protrusion is disposed between the bottom and the first inclined surface; and The second protrusion is disposed between the bottom and the second inclined surface.

3. The turn signal switch according to claim 2, wherein, The bottom has an arc-shaped form. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extend in a straight line from the bottom.

Images