Handlebar switch unit with compact design with vertically arranged buttons and complete function on motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson

Abstract

Claim for protection (main claim): Handlebar switch unit for mounting on a motorcycle handlebar, comprising: a housing consisting of two half-shells, divisible along a vertical plane, with at least two, preferably three or four switching elements, in particular pushbuttons or switches, which are arranged vertically one above the other on the front of the housing in a space-saving and ergonomic manner, a button located on the back of the housing to trigger a brake light signal, a bearing for a rotatably mounted throttle grip, wherein the housing has a compact, essentially circular design with a diameter between 58 mm and 61 mm ± 2 mm and a width of approximately 34 mm ± 1 mm, and wherein the geometry of the housing is adapted by a flat area (left switching unit) or indentation (right switching unit) as well as a rectangular shape on the back for a positive locking connection with an adjacent, in particular round, original component (e.g. a lever unit with a diameter of approx. 59 mm), Despite its compact design, the complete electrical functionality of the original fittings is still possible.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit attached to the motorcycle handlebars for controlling electrical functions such as turn signals, horn, lights or brake lights, and for accommodating the throttle grip. State of the art

[0002] Common motorcycle control panels, especially those from Harley-Davidson, are often bulky and their design is tailored to the specific vehicle type. This construction makes individualization or visual modifications difficult, particularly for custom builds. Furthermore, some buttons and switches are heavy and not easily accessible from a resting hand position. Object of the invention

[0003] The invention aims to provide a compact, ergonomically advantageous handlebar switch unit that allows the complete electrical function of the original instrument panel to be taken over, while having a space-saving, aesthetically pleasing design and being able to be integrated into existing component environments in a form-fitting and rotationally secure manner. Solution

[0004] The invention solves this problem by means of a two-part handlebar switch unit consisting of a front and a rear shell, which are mounted along a vertical division around the handlebar.

[0005] The front cover contains three vertically arranged buttons for controlling vehicle electrical functions. The rear cover has a separate button which is deactivated (electrical signal reversed) when the brake lever is pressed, generating a corresponding brake light signal.

[0006] In other embodiments, the switch unit comprises two or four pushbuttons instead of three, while still maintaining the vertical arrangement, compact housing shape and ergonomic operation.

[0007] The switch assembly features a flat area (left-hand control unit in the direction of travel) or a recess (right-hand control unit in the direction of travel) on its reverse side, as well as a rectangular recess that fits precisely into a corresponding recess in the adjacent original component, the lever unit. This design ensures a positive locking mechanism that prevents twisting and shifting along the handlebar axis, without the need for additional mechanical fixing elements.

[0008] The throttle grip is integrated into the fitting and retains its function as a freely rotating, spring-loaded grip body.

[0009] The housing has an essentially circular base with a diameter between 58 mm and 61 mm and a housing width of 34 mm, allowing it to fit precisely against the adjacent original component with a diameter of 59 mm.

[0010] Compared to the original switch unit with approximately 75 mm height, 55 mm width and 69 mm depth, the housing of the invention is reduced in width by approximately 39% and in volume by approximately 45%, while maintaining the same functionality.

[0011] This compact design significantly reduces the space required, enabling installation in confined spaces and simultaneously improving access to the switching elements.

[0012] The specified dimensional ranges include a manufacturing tolerance of ±2 mm in the housing diameter and ±1 mm in the housing width, without limiting the function according to the invention or the scope of protection. Advantages of the invention - significantly reduced size compared to OEM fittings - Ergonomic arrangement of switches for quick access - Full functionality (including brake light, throttle grip) - Form-fitting and torsion-resistant integration through defined back contour - Suitable for custom motorcycle conversions without compromising on function or safety

Claims

[1] Claim (main claim) Handlebar switch unit for mounting on a motorcycle handlebar, comprising: a housing consisting of two half-shells, divisible along a vertical plane, with at least two, preferably three or four switching elements, in particular pushbuttons or switches, which are arranged vertically one above the other on the front of the housing in a space-saving and ergonomic manner, a button located on the back of the housing to trigger a brake light signal, a bearing for a rotatably mounted throttle grip, wherein the housing has a compact, essentially circular design with a diameter between 58 mm and 61 mm ± 2 mm and a width of approximately 34 mm ± 1 mm, and wherein the geometry of the housing is adapted by a flat area (left switching unit) or indentation (right switching unit) as well as a rectangular shape on the back for a positive locking connection with an adjacent, in particular round, original component (e.g. a lever unit with a diameter of approx. 59 mm), Despite its compact design, the complete electrical functionality of the original fittings is still possible. [2] Handlebar switch unit according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shape on the back has a cuboid or rectangular profile that engages in a corresponding recess of the adjacent handlebar component. [3] Handlebar switch unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the front buttons have an ergonomically contoured actuation surface, which improves haptic accessibility while driving. [4] Handlebar switch unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing is made of a metallic material or a solid engineering plastic, in particular aluminium, ABS or POM-C. [5] Handlebar switch unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the unit is fully pre-assembled and supplied as an electrically ready plug-and-play component. [6] Handlebar switch unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing has a compact, essentially circular basic shape with a diameter of 58 mm to 61 mm, the width of the housing is 34 mm, thus reducing it by at least 35% in width and 45% in volume compared to the original switch unit of the vehicle manufacturer, while retaining all operating and connection functions.

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