Handlebar grip device

Abstract

To provide a handlebar grip device capable of reducing throttle operating force and enhancing operability by enabling a driving source to be controlled through fluctuation operation by a throttle operation lever.SOLUTION: A handlebar grip device fixed to a handlebar pipe of a vehicle which can be gripped by a driver comprises: a grip body 2 which is fixed to the tip of the handlebar pipe and has a gripping region α that can be gripped by the driver; and a throttle operation lever S which is formed on the grip body 2, is capable of fluctuation operation while gripping the gripping region α of the grip body 2, and can control the driving source of the vehicle through fluctuation operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 steering handle pipe (handle bar) and handle grips that the driver can hold while driving are attached to both ends of the handle pipe. The right handle grip is a throttle grip that can rotate around an axis, and the driver can operate the drive source of the vehicle by twisting it toward himself or herself to rotate it. [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, the throttle grip needs to be firmly gripped and rotated around the axis, so a relatively large operating force is required.In addition, in recent years, throttle devices that detect the throttle operation with a sensor and operate the drive source have become popular, and in such cases, the throttle operation does not require much operating force, so there is an increasing need for a handle grip with an easier-to-grip shape.

[0005] Therefore, in order to reduce the throttle operating force and improve operability, the applicant has conducted intensive research into a handle grip device that enables the driver to control the drive source by gripping the gripping area of ​​the grip body and swinging the throttle operating lever, instead of rotating (twisting) the throttle grip.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a handle grip device which can reduce the throttle operating force and improve operability by controlling the drive source through a swing operation of a throttle operating lever. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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, characterized in that it comprises 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 a throttle operating lever that is formed on the grip body and can be swung while gripping the gripping area of ​​the grip body, and that can control the vehicle's drive source by swinging it.

[0008] 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 throttle operating lever is formed at the base end of the grip body.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 2, the throttle operating lever can be pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body or another intersecting direction.

[0010] The invention as set forth in claim 4 is the handle grip device as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that the throttle operating lever is formed on the rider's side of the grip body.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the throttle operating lever is pivoted from an initial position in one direction against a biasing force, thereby making it possible to control the accelerator of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting operation.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the throttle operating lever is pivoted from an initial position in one direction against a biasing force, thereby enabling acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting operation, and is pivoted from the initial position in the other direction against a biasing force, thereby enabling brake control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting operation. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention of claim 1, there is provided a grip body that is fixed to the end of the handle pipe and has a gripping area that can be grasped by the driver, and a throttle operating lever that is formed on the grip body and can be pivoted while grasping the gripping area of ​​the grip body, and that can control the vehicle's drive source by pivoting.Therefore, by controlling the drive source by pivoting the throttle operating lever, the throttle operating force can be reduced and operability can be improved.

[0014] 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 throttle operating lever is formed at the base end of the grip body, thereby allowing the driver to easily grasp the gripping area and operate the throttle operating lever, improving operability.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 3, the throttle operating lever can be swung around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body or another intersecting direction, so that the direction in which the throttle operating lever is swung can be determined arbitrarily depending on the dimensions, shape, etc. of the grip body.

[0016] According to the invention of claim 4, the throttle operating lever is formed on the driver's side of the grip body, so that the visibility of the throttle operating lever can be improved while improving operability.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 5, the throttle operating lever is pivoted in one direction from the initial position against the biasing force, thereby enabling accelerator control of the drive source according to the amount of pivoting operation. Therefore, by releasing the pivoting force, the throttle operating lever naturally returns to the initial position due to the biasing force, thereby further improving operability.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 6, the throttle operating lever is pivoted from the initial position in one direction against the biasing force, thereby enabling acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting, and is pivoted from the initial position in the other direction against the biasing force, thereby enabling brake control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting, so that both acceleration control and brake control can be performed by the throttle operating lever. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a handle grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a four-sided view showing the handle grip device. [Diagram 3] Cross-sectional view of line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in Figure 2 [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 2 [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the handle grip device with the grip body removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the handle grip device; [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a switch portion in the handle grip device. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the magnet of the switch portion and the substrate in the handle grip device; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a throttle operating lever in the handle grip device. [Figure 11]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a switch portion in the handle grip device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation direction of a throttle lever in the handle grip device; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a left handle grip applied to a handle grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the left handle grip of the same [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a handle grip device (right handle grip) and a handle grip (left handle grip) according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a handle grip device according to another embodiment of the present invention (a throttle control lever capable of being pivoted in one direction and the other direction); DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The handle grip device G of this embodiment is applied to a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle (specifically, an electric motorcycle driven by a motor) that has handle pipes (a right handle pipe HR and a left handle pipe HL) for steering, and as shown in FIG. 15, is attached to the end of the right handle pipe HR of the vehicle, and a handle grip L is attached to the end of the left handle pipe HL of the vehicle.

[0021] The handle grip device G according to this embodiment is fixed to the tip of the right handle pipe HR of a vehicle and can be held by the driver with his / her right hand, and as shown in Figures 1 to 7, is configured to include a base member 1, a grip body 2, a grip end member 3, a switch unit 4, and a throttle operating lever S. The base member 1 is made of a metal pipe-shaped member that can be fitted in the longitudinal direction to the right handle pipe HR, and as shown in Figure 7, is formed with an opening 1a and a screw hole 1b through which a screw n is inserted.

[0022] The base member 1 according to this embodiment is inserted into the right handle pipe HR in the longitudinal direction and fixed to the tip of the right handle pipe HR by a screw. A fixing member W is interposed between the base member 1 and the right handle pipe HR, and a screw n is inserted into the base member 1 while matching a screw hole 1b of the base member 1 with a screw hole Wa, and the screw n is screwed into a switch case 6 described later, thereby fixing the switch case 6 to the base member 1.

[0023] The grip body 2 is attached to the base material 1, and has a gripping area α that can be gripped by the driver, and an operation area β in which a throttle operation lever S is formed. 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, with the gripping area α formed on the tip end side (right side in Figs. 1 to 4) of the grip body 2, and the operation area β formed on the base end side (left side in Figs. 1 to 4) of the grip body 2. The reference numeral 5 in the figures denotes a tube guide, and the tube guide 5 is made of hard resin formed on the inner periphery side of the grip body 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the operation area β formed in the grip body 2 according to this embodiment is formed on the driver's side (rear side of the vehicle) of the grip body 2, and has a throttle operation lever S formed therein. The throttle operation lever S is formed at the base end of the grip body 2, on the driver's side of the grip body 2, and has an operation section Sa that can be swung by the driver with the thumb of the right hand, and can be swung within the movable range of the fingers of the driver who is gripping the grip area α.

[0025] 3 and 7, the grip body 2 according to this embodiment has a grip end member 3 attached to its tip, and an extension portion 3a is formed integrally with the grip end member 3. The extension portion 3a is made up of a portion that extends to the switch portion 4 when the grip end member 3 is attached to the grip body 2, and has a locking claw 3b (see FIG. 3) formed at its tip.

[0026] Here, the throttle operating lever S according to this embodiment is formed on the grip body 2, and can be swung while gripping the gripping area α of the grip body 2, and can control the drive source of the vehicle (including the engine in addition to the motor in this embodiment) by the swinging operation. As shown in Fig. 12, the throttle operating lever S can be swung in the direction a (clockwise) around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2, and as shown in Figs. 8 to 11, it is configured by integrally forming an operating section Sa that can be operated by the driver's finger and a rotating shaft section Sb that rotates by operating the operating section Sa.

[0027] In addition, the throttle operating lever S in this embodiment is capable of being swung around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2 (i.e., the rotating shaft portion Sb extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2), but it may also be capable of being swung around an axis in another intersecting direction other than the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the throttle operating lever S in this embodiment is equipped with an interlocking member 7 that is connected to one end of the rotating shaft portion Sb and interlocks with the throttle operating lever S, a connecting screw P that connects the throttle operating lever S and the interlocking member 7, and a biasing means 8 consisting of a torsion coil spring that biases the throttle operating lever S to its initial position, and a magnet M is attached to the interlocking member 7.

[0029] The switch section 4 is capable of transmitting a detection signal to the vehicle side via a wire h in response to the operation of a throttle control lever S, and as shown in Figures 8 to 11, is configured to include a switch case 6, an interlocking member 7 to which a magnet M is attached, a biasing means 8, and a magnetic sensor 11 attached to a substrate 10. The switch case 6 of the switch section 4 is adapted to have a cover member 9 attached thereto.

[0030] The switch case 6 is made of a resin molded product and has an accommodation portion 6a that accommodates the interlocking member 7 and the biasing means 8, etc., and a protruding portion 6b in which a locking hole 6c is formed. When the switch case 6 is attached to the grip body 2, as shown in Fig. 3, the protruding portion 6b protrudes toward the grip end member 3, and the locking claw 3b of the grip end member 3 is locked in the locking hole 6c, so that the switch case 6 and the grip end member 3 are connected to each other.

[0031] However, when the throttle operating lever S is swung to rotate the rotation shaft Sb, the interlocking member 7 rotates in the accommodation portion 6a against the biasing force of the biasing means 8, and the magnet rotates together with the interlocking member 7. In other words, the throttle operating lever S is configured to be swung from the initial position in one direction (direction a, which is clockwise in this embodiment) against the biasing force of the spring 9b.

[0032] Meanwhile, a board 10 having a magnetic sensor 11 is attached to the back surface of the switch case 6. The magnetic sensor 11 detects the change in magnetism generated by the magnet M, thereby detecting the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the interlocking member 7 and the amount of swing operation of the throttle control lever S. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 11 is capable of obtaining an output voltage corresponding to the change in the magnetic field (change in magnetic flux density) of the magnet M accompanying the rotation of the interlocking member 7, and is configured, for example, with a Hall element, which is a magnetic sensor utilizing the Hall effect (specifically, a linear Hall IC capable of obtaining an output voltage proportional to the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) of the magnet M).

[0033] As a result, when the throttle control lever S is swung and the interlocking member 7 rotates in the same direction, the magnetism from the magnet M acting on the magnetic sensor 11 changes according to the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the interlocking member 7, making it possible to obtain an output voltage according to the amount of rotation and to detect the amount of swing operation of the throttle control lever S based on the obtained output voltage. The amount of swing operation of the throttle control lever S detected in this manner is transmitted as an electric signal to control means for controlling a motor mounted on the vehicle, so that the drive of the motor can be controlled.

[0034] In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, the grip body 2 of the handle grip device G of this embodiment is formed with the gripping area α and the operation area β overlapping each other. 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 right hand of the driver gripping the gripping area α to approach the operation area β, further improving the operability of the throttle operating lever S.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, at least a portion of the cross section of the grip region α according to this embodiment (in this embodiment, the cross section of the tip side (grip end member 3 side) of the grip body 2) is elliptical or flattened. That is, the cross section of the operation region β on the base end side of the grip body 2 is circular, and the cross section of the grip region α on the tip side is elliptical or flattened (a shape in which the left-right dimension is larger than the up-down dimension).

[0036] On the other hand, the handle grip L applied to this embodiment is fixed to the tip of the left handle pipe HL of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 15, and can be held by the driver with the left hand, and is configured with a base material portion 1, a grip body 12, and a grip end member 3 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Note that the same components as those of the handle grip device G are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The grip body 12 of the handle grip L has a vibration element 13 (vibration means) disposed therein, and is configured to vibrate when electricity is applied to the vibration element 13 at any timing, thereby vibrating the grip body 12. In this way, by vibrating the grip body 12 at any timing, various pieces of information can be notified to the driver holding the handle grip L.

[0038] The handle grip device G of this embodiment is equipped with a grip body 2 that is fixed to the end of the handle pipe (right handle pipe HR) and has a gripping area α that can be gripped by the driver, and a throttle operating lever S that is formed on the grip body 2 and can be pivoted while gripping the gripping area α of the grip body 2, and can control the vehicle's drive source by pivoting. Therefore, by controlling the drive source by pivoting the throttle operating lever S, the throttle operating force can be reduced and operability can be improved.

[0039] In addition, the grip body 2 in this embodiment is extended from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tip of the right handle pipe HR, and the throttle operating lever S is formed at the base end of the grip body 2, so that the driver can easily grasp the gripping area α and operate the throttle operating lever S, improving operability.

[0040] Furthermore, since the throttle operating lever S according to this embodiment can be swung about an axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2 or in another intersecting direction, the direction of swing operation of the throttle operating lever S can be determined arbitrarily according to the dimensions, shape, etc. of the grip body 2. Also, since the throttle operating lever S according to this embodiment is formed on the driver's side of the grip body 2, it is possible to improve the visibility of the throttle operating lever S while improving operability.

[0041] In addition, the throttle operating lever S in this embodiment is swung from the initial position in one direction (direction a) against the biasing force, which enables the accelerator control of the drive source (motor) according to the amount of swinging operation. Therefore, by releasing the swinging force, the throttle operating lever S naturally returns to the initial position due to the biasing force, thereby further improving operability.

[0042] However, the throttle operating lever S in the above embodiment is capable of controlling the accelerator of the drive source by swinging it only in one direction (direction a) from the initial position, but it may also be capable of swinging it in one direction (direction a) from the initial position and in the other direction (direction b) from the initial position, as shown in FIG. 16, for example.

[0043] In this case, the throttle operating lever S is swung from the initial position in one direction (direction a) against the biasing force, which enables acceleration control of the motor (drive source) according to the amount of swing operation, and is swung from the initial position in the other direction (direction b) against the biasing force, which enables brake control of the motor (drive source) (for example, brake control by regenerative braking) according to the amount of swing operation. With this configuration, both accelerator control and brake control can be performed by the throttle operating lever S.

[0044] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and 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 FIG. 1) 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, inside.

[0045] Furthermore, the grip body 2 of the handle grip device G according to this embodiment and the grip body 12 of the applicable handle grip L may be formed with an operating section for operating various electrical equipment equipped in the vehicle. Note that the handle grip device according to this embodiment is applied to a motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle, but may also be applied to an engine-driven two-wheeled vehicle, and may further be applied to other types of vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.) equipped with a handle pipe (right handle pipe HR). [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] 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]

[0047] 1 Base material part 1a opening 1b Screw hole 2 Grip body 3 Grip end parts 3a Extension part 3b Locking claw 4 Switch section 5 Tube Guide 6 Switch Case 6a Storage section 6b Projection 6c Locking hole 7 Interlocking parts 8. Biasing means 9 Cover member 10 Substrate 11 Magnetic Sensor 12. Grip body 13 Vibration element (vibration means) G Handle grip device L Handle Grip HR right handle pipe HL Left handle pipe α Grasping area β operation area M magnet W Fixing member h wiring S Throttle control lever Sa operation section Sb Rotating shaft n Screw P Connection screw

Claims

1. A handle grip device that is fixed to a handle pipe of a vehicle and can be held by a driver, A grip body is fixed to a tip of the handle pipe and has a grip area that can be gripped by a rider; a throttle operation lever formed on the grip body, capable of being pivoted while gripping the gripping region of the grip body, and capable of controlling a drive source of a vehicle by the pivoting operation; A handle grip device comprising:

2. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the grip body extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle at the tip of the handle pipe, and the throttle operating lever is formed at the base end of the grip body.

3. 3. The handle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the throttle operating lever is pivotable about an axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body or in another direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the grip body.

4. 3. The handle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the throttle operating lever is formed on a rider's side of the grip body.

5. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the throttle operating lever is pivoted from an initial position in one direction against a biasing force, thereby enabling acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting.

6. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the throttle operating lever is pivoted from an initial position in one direction against a biasing force, thereby enabling acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting operation, and is pivoted from the initial position in the other direction against a biasing force, thereby enabling brake control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of pivoting operation.

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