Handlebar grip device
The handle grip device addresses the challenges of difficult operation and grip comfort by featuring an elliptical or flat grip area and strategically positioned operation areas, enhancing both accuracy and comfort for vehicle drivers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023181489
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing handle grip devices for vehicles often require the operation section to be positioned beyond the range of motion of the driver's fingers, making it difficult to accurately operate while firmly grasping the handle grip. Additionally, there is a growing need for handle grips with a shape that is easier to grip, especially with the increasing popularity of throttle devices that require less operating force.
A handle grip device with a grip body that includes an operation area fixed to the tip of the handle pipe, featuring a grip area that is at least partially elliptical or flat, allowing for easy and accurate operation of the operating unit. The grip body extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle, with the grip area formed at the tip and the operating area formed at the base end, improving operability and visibility.
The handle grip device enables easy and accurate operation of the operating unit, enhances grip comfort, and improves operability by positioning the grip area and operating area optimally within the driver's reach, thus addressing the challenges of existing handle grip devices.
Smart Images
Figure 2025070887000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a handle grip device that is fixed to a handle pipe of a vehicle and can be gripped by a driver. [Background technology]
[0002] Generally, vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs are equipped with a handle pipe (handle bar) for steering, and handle grips that the driver can hold while driving are attached to both ends of the handle pipe. A handle switch device having a plurality of operation parts (operation knobs) for operating various electrical devices mounted on the vehicle is fixed to a position adjacent to the handle grip, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-85949 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, since the operation part is formed on the handle switch device attached adjacent to the handle grip, there are cases where the operation part must be formed at a position beyond the movable range of the fingers of the driver who is holding the handle grip, making it difficult to accurately operate the operation part while firmly holding the handle grip. In addition, throttle devices that detect the throttle operation with a sensor to operate the drive source have become widespread in recent years, and in such cases, the throttle operation does not require much operating force, so there has been an increasing need for a handle grip with an easier-to-grip shape.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a handle grip device that allows the operating part to be operated easily and accurately, and also forms a gripping area that is easy to grasp. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a handle grip device that is fixed to a handle pipe of a vehicle and can be gripped by a driver, comprising a grip body that is fixed to the end of the handle pipe and has a gripping area that can be gripped by the driver and an operating area in which an operating portion is formed to enable operation of electrical equipment of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the gripping area of the grip body has an elliptical or flattened cross section.
[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the grip body extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tip of the handle pipe, and the gripping area is formed at the tip end of the grip body, and the operating area is formed at the base end of the grip body.
[0008] The invention as set forth in claim 3 is the handle grip device as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the operation area is formed on the rider's side of the grip body.
[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the grip body houses a substrate on which is attached a switch component capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to the operation of the operating portion.
[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the operating portions are formed in a row in the axial direction of the grip body within the range of the fingers of a driver gripping the gripping area.
[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is a handle grip device described in claim 1, characterized in that the grip body is provided with a light-emitting means that can irradiate light onto the operating portion formed in the operating area to cause it to emit light. Effect of the Invention
[0012] According to the invention of claim 1, a grip body is provided which is fixed to the end of a handle pipe and has a gripping area which can be gripped by the driver and an operating area in which an operating part which can operate the vehicle's electrical equipment is formed, and at least a portion of the gripping area of the grip body has an elliptical or flattened cross section, so that the operating part can be easily and accurately operated and a gripping area which is easy to grip can be formed.
[0013] According to the invention of claim 2, the grip body is extended from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tip of the handle pipe, and the gripping area is formed at the tip of the grip body, and the operating area is formed at the base end of the grip body, thereby allowing the driver to easily grip the gripping area and operate the operating part of the operating area, thereby improving operability.
[0014] According to the invention of claim 3, the operation area is formed on the driver's side of the grip body, so that the visibility of the operation part of the operation area can be improved while improving the operability of the operation part.
[0015] According to the invention of claim 4, the grip body houses a board on which is attached a switch component capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to the operation of the operating part, so that the switch component can be housed inside the grip body, thereby further simplifying the tip of the handle pipe.
[0016] According to the invention of claim 5, the operating portions are formed in a row in the axial direction of the grip body within the range of the fingers of the driver holding the gripping area, so that the radial dimension of the grip body can be set small and the grip body can be formed elongated.
[0017] According to the invention of claim 6, the grip body is provided with a light-emitting means that can irradiate light onto the operating part formed in the operating area to cause it to emit light, thereby improving the visibility of the operating part while improving the design. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle grip device (right-side handle grip device) according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the base end side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle grip device as viewed from the tip side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a four-sided view showing the handle grip device. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in Figure 3 [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 3 [Figure 6] Cross section of line VI-VI in Figure 3 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in Figure 3 [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII in Figure 3 [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the handle grip device; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration of the handle grip device; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle grip device (left handle grip device) according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the base end side; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle grip device as viewed from the tip side. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a four-sided view showing the handle grip device. [Figure 14] Cross section of line XIV-XIV in Figure 13 [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of line XV-XV in Figure 13 [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a handle grip device (right handle grip device and left handle grip device) according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The handle grip device of this embodiment is applied to vehicles such as motorcycles that are equipped with handle pipes for steering, and as shown in FIG. 16, is composed of a right handle grip device GR attached to the end of the right handle pipe HR of the vehicle, and a left handle grip device GL attached to the end of the left handle pipe HL of the vehicle.
[0020] The right handle grip device GR is fixed to the tip of the right handle pipe HR of the vehicle so that the driver can grip it with his / her right hand, and as shown in Figures 1 to 8, is configured to include a base member 1, a grip body 2, and a grip end member 3. The base member 1 is made of a metal pipe-shaped member that can be fitted longitudinally to the right handle pipe HR, and as shown in Figure 9, is formed with an opening 1a, a screw hole 1b (see Figure 8) for inserting a screw n, and a screw hole 1c for inserting a screw b.
[0021] The base material 1 according to this embodiment is inserted into the right handle pipe HR in the longitudinal direction, and is fixed to the tip of the right handle pipe HR by matching the screw hole 1b with the screw hole f formed in the right handle pipe HR and then inserting and screwing a screw n between the base material 1 and the right handle pipe HR, as shown in Fig. 8. A fixing member W is interposed between the base material 1 and the right handle pipe HR for assembly, and the lower switch case 7 can be fixed to the base material 1 by matching the screw hole 1c of the base material 1 with the screw hole Wa and inserting a screw b into the lower switch case 7 described later.
[0022] The grip body 2 is attached to the base material 1 and has a gripping area α that the driver can grip, and an operation area β in which a plurality of operation parts (S, m, t1, t2) are formed to operate the vehicle's electrical equipment (headlights, turn signal lamps, motors, etc. equipped in the vehicle). Specifically, the grip body 2 according to this embodiment is extended from the inside to the outside of the vehicle (from the left to the right in Figs. 1 to 4) via the base material 1 at the tip of the right handle pipe HR, and the gripping area α is formed on the tip end side (right side in Figs. 1 to 4) of the grip body 2, and the operation area β is formed on the base end side (left side in Figs. 1 to 4). In addition, the reference numeral 5 in the figure indicates a tube guide, and the tube guide 5 is made of a hard resin formed on the inner periphery side of the grip body 2.
[0023] Furthermore, the operation area β formed in the grip body 2 according to this embodiment is formed on the driver's side (the vehicle rear side) of the grip body 2, and is provided with a throttle lever S and push buttons m, t1, and t2 as operation units. The throttle lever S is an operation unit that can be swung by the driver with the thumb of the right hand, and can be swung within the movable range of the driver's fingers gripping the grip area α.
[0024] 5 and 10, the throttle lever S has a lever portion Sa that can be swung by the driver, a rotating portion Sb that can rotate with the swinging of the lever portion Sa, and a spring portion Sc that biases the rotating portion Sb toward an initial position, and the lever portion Sa and the rotating portion Sb are connected by a pin Sd. The driver can increase the speed of the vehicle by swinging the lever portion Sa from the initial position with his / her thumb against the biasing force of the spring portion Sc, thereby operating the drive source (engine or motor) of the vehicle.
[0025] 4, 6, and 10, a board 4 is housed inside the operation area β of the grip body 2, on which a tactile switch r (switch component) capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to the operation of the operating section is attached. The board 4 has the tactile switch r formed at a position corresponding to the push buttons m, t1, and t2, and when the push buttons m, t1, and t2 are pressed, the electric switch is turned on and an ON signal is transmitted to the vehicle side.
[0026] For example, when any of the push buttons m is pressed, the tact switch r corresponding to the pressed push button m is electrically turned on and the ON signal is sent to the vehicle side, allowing the selection of the display on the monitor etc. equipped in the vehicle. Also, when any of the push buttons t1, t2 is pressed, the tact switch r corresponding to the pressed push button t1, t2 is electrically turned on and the ON signal is sent to the vehicle side, allowing the motor equipped in the vehicle to be started or rotated in reverse to move the vehicle backward.
[0027] Furthermore, an LED 10 (light emitting means) is attached to the substrate 4, and is capable of irradiating light toward the push buttons m, t1, and t2 serving as the operation unit. That is, the push buttons m, t1, and t2 are made of, for example, a light-transmitting resin, and are capable of emitting light when irradiated with light from the LED 10. Also, the push buttons m, t1, and t2 serving as the operation unit have figures or characters drawn thereon indicating the operation content, and the light from the LED 10 allows the operation content to be clearly seen.
[0028] This improves the visibility of the operation unit, and improves the design by providing illumination using the light from the LEDs 10. Also, for example, by making the light emitted by the LEDs 10 different colors depending on the operation unit, the illumination effect can be improved, further improving the design, and the operability of the operation unit can be improved.
[0029] On the other hand, the substrate 4 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle side by wiring h, is covered with a waterproof cover 9, and is housed inside the lower switch case 7 and the upper switch case 8. The lower switch case 7 is fixed to the base member 1 as described above, and by having the tactile switch r and the LED 10 formed on the substrate 4 face the opening 1a side of the base member 1, the operation of the operating part can be transmitted to the tactile switch r, and the operating part can be illuminated by irradiation of light by the LED 10.
[0030] Furthermore, the operation units according to this embodiment are formed in a line in the axial direction of the grip body 2 (the left-right direction in Figs. 1 to 3) within the reach of the driver's fingers gripping the gripping area α. This allows the board 4 housed in the grip body 2 to be formed elongated and the tact switch r (switch component) to be formed in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing the radial dimension of the grip body 2. The operation units m, t1 to t7 are push buttons that are parallelograms in plan view, and can be arranged in the axial direction while maintaining a relatively large area.
[0031] In addition, the grip body 2 of the right-side handle grip device GR of this embodiment is formed with the gripping area α and the operation area β overlapping each other, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. That is, the gripping area α is extended to the rear of the operation area β, so that the gripping area α and the operation area β overlap (their areas overlap each other) in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in the figure) of the grip body 2. This allows the driver's right hand gripping the gripping area α to approach the operation area β, further improving the operability of the operation unit.
[0032] Here, the gripping region α according to this embodiment has at least a portion (in this embodiment, the cross section on the tip side (grip end member 3 side) of the grip body 2) that is elliptical or flattened in cross section, as shown in Figs. 3 and 7. That is, the grip body 2 has a circular cross section of the operating region β on the base end side, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and has an elliptical or flattened cross section of the gripping region α on the tip side (a shape in which the left-right dimension is greater than the up-down dimension) as shown in Fig. 7.
[0033] 9 and 10, the grip body 2 according to this embodiment has a grip end member 3 attached to its tip, and a vibration element 6 (vibration means) attached to the grip end member 3. The vibration element 6 is attached inside the gripping region α of the grip body 2 and can vibrate the gripping region α as desired by vibrating when electricity is applied. In this embodiment, the vibration element 6 is attached at a position at the tip of the grip body 2.
[0034] 9 and 10, the grip end member 3 is configured to have an end portion 3a formed to protrude from the tip of the grip body 2, and a holding portion 3b consisting of a cylindrical portion extended from the end portion 3a and capable of holding the vibration element 6. The holding portion 3b can be inserted from the tip of the grip body 2, and is configured to hold a plurality of vibration elements 6 (two in this embodiment) in the axial direction.
[0035] Then, by attaching the grip end member 3 to the grip body 2, the vibration elements 6 held by the holding portion 3b are attached in the axial direction of the grip body 2 in the grip region α. As a result, when a current is applied to these vibration elements 6 at any timing, each of them vibrates, and the grip region α of the grip body 2 can be vibrated, so that various information can be notified to the driver.
[0036] On the other hand, the left handle grip device GL is fixed to the tip of the left handle pipe HL of the vehicle and can be held by the driver with his / her left hand, and as shown in Figures 11 to 15, is configured with a base material portion 1, a grip body 2, and a grip end member 3. Note that the same components as those of the right handle grip device GR are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.
[0037] The left handle grip device GL has push buttons t3 to t7 formed as operation parts in its operation area β. These push buttons t3 to t7 are capable of operating the vehicle's electrical equipment (headlights, turn signal lamps, motors, etc. equipped in the vehicle), and like the operation parts of the right handle grip device GR, are formed in a row in the axial direction of the grip body 2 within the reach of the fingers of the driver gripping the grip area α.
[0038] Specifically, when any of the push buttons t3 to t7 is pressed, the tact switch r on the board 4 housed within the operation area β is electrically turned on, and the on signal is transmitted to the vehicle. For example, when any of the push buttons t3 and t4 is pressed, the turn signal lamp (direction indicator) equipped on the vehicle flashes, and when the push button t5 is pressed, the horn equipped on the vehicle outputs a warning sound. In addition, when any of the push buttons t6 and t7 is pressed, the headlights equipped on the vehicle can be switched between downward illumination and forward illumination.
[0039] In addition, the grip body 2 of the left handle grip device GL of this embodiment is formed with the gripping area α and the operation area β overlapping each other as shown in Figures 11, 12, and 14. That is, the gripping area α is extended to the rear of the operation area β, so that the gripping area α and the operation area β overlap (their areas overlap each other) in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in the figure) of the grip body 2. This allows the driver's left hand gripping the gripping area α to approach the operation area β, further improving the operability of the operation unit.
[0040] Here, as shown in Figures 13 and 15, the gripping area α according to this embodiment has at least a portion of its cross section (in this embodiment, the cross section on the tip side (grip end member 3 side) of the grip body 2) formed into an elliptical or flattened shape. That is, like the right-side handle grip device GR, the grip body 2 has a circular cross section of the operating area β on the base end side, and as shown in Figure 15, the gripping area α on the tip side has an elliptical or flattened cross section (a shape in which the left-right dimension is greater than the up-down dimension).
[0041] According to this embodiment, the grip body 2 is provided with a gripping area α that is fixed to the tip of the right handle pipe HR and the left handle pipe HL, and has a gripping area α that can be gripped by the driver and an operation area β in which an operation part that can operate the vehicle's electrical equipment is formed, and at least a portion of the gripping area α of the grip body 2 has an elliptical or flattened cross section, so that the operation part can be easily and accurately operated, and the gripping area α with an elliptical or flattened cross section can fit comfortably in the driver's hand, forming a gripping area α that is easy to grip.
[0042] In addition, the grip body 2 in this embodiment is extended from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tips of the right handle pipe HR and the left handle pipe HL, and the gripping area α is formed at the tip of the grip body 2, and the operating area β is formed at the base end of the grip body 2, so that the driver can easily grip the gripping area α and operate the operating part of the operating area β, thereby improving operability.
[0043] Furthermore, since the operation area β according to this embodiment is formed on the driver's side of the grip body 2, it is possible to improve the operability of the operation part of the operation area β while improving the visibility of the operation part. Also, since the operation parts according to this embodiment are formed side by side in the axial direction of the grip body 2 within the reach of the fingers of the driver who is gripping the grip area α, it is possible to set the radial dimension of the grip body 2 small and form the grip body 2 elongated.
[0044] Furthermore, the grip body 2 according to this embodiment houses the board 4 on which is mounted a tact switch r (switch component) capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to the operation of the operating part, so that the switch component can be housed inside the grip body 2, further simplifying the tip portions of the right handle pipe HR and the left handle pipe HL. Note that the switch component is not limited to the tact switch r, and may be another type of switch capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to the operation of the operating part.
[0045] In addition, the grip body 2 is equipped with an LED 10 (light-emitting means) that can irradiate the operating part formed in the operating area β with light to cause it to emit light, thereby improving the visibility of the operating part while improving the design.
[0046] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present embodiment, the gripping area α and the operation area β overlap (areas overlap each other) in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the grip body 2, but the gripping area and the operation area β may not overlap. Also, the gripping area α of the grip body 2 may be provided with a component having another function, such as a grip heater. Note that the handle grip device according to the present embodiment is applied to a two-wheeled vehicle (engine-driven or motor-driven), but may be applied to other types of vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.) equipped with a handle pipe H. [Industrial Applicability]
[0047] The present invention can also be applied to devices with different external shapes or devices with added functions, etc., so long as they have the same gist as the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0048] 1 Base material part 1a opening 1b screw hole 1c screw hole 2 Grip body 3 Grip end parts 3a End section 3b Holding part 4. Board 5 Tube Guide 6 Vibration element (vibration means) 7 Lower switch case 8 Upper switch case 9 Waterproof cover 10 LED (light emitting means) GR Right-hand handle grip device GL Left side handle grip device HR right handle pipe HL Left handle pipe α Grasping area β operation area r Tactile switch (switch part) W Fixing member h wiring S Throttle lever Sa Lever part Sb Rotating part Sc Spring part Sd pin n, b screws
Claims
1. A handle grip device that is fixed to a handle pipe of a vehicle and can be held by a driver, A handle grip device comprising a grip body that is fixed to the end of the handle pipe and has a gripping area that can be gripped by a rider and an operating area in which an operating part is formed for operating electrical equipment of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the gripping area of the grip body has an elliptical or flattened cross section.
2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the grip body extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tip of the handle pipe, the gripping area being formed at the tip of the grip body, and the operating area being formed at the base end of the grip body.
3. 3. The handle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the operation area is formed on a rider's side of the grip body.
4. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the grip body houses a board on which a switch component capable of generating and transmitting a signal in response to an operation of the operating portion is mounted.
5. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the operation portions are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the grip body within a range that can be reached by the fingers of a driver gripping the gripping area.
6. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the grip body is provided with a light emitting means for irradiating light onto an operation portion formed in the operation area to cause the operation portion to emit light.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Switch device on steering wheel
JP2006085949A