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 rotation operation by a throttle operation wheel.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 wheel S which is formed on the grip body 2, is capable of rotation operation while gripping the gripping region α of the grip body 2, and can control the driving source of the vehicle through rotation 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 rotating the throttle operating wheel while gripping the gripping area of ​​the grip body, 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 that can reduce the throttle operating force and improve operability by controlling the drive source through rotational operation of a throttle operating wheel. [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 wheel that is formed on the grip body and can be rotated while gripping the gripping area of ​​the grip body, and that can control the vehicle's drive source by rotating the throttle operating wheel.

[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 wheel 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 wheel can be rotated around an axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body or in 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 wheel 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 wheel is rotated in one direction from an initial position, thereby enabling acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of rotation, and is rotated in the other direction from the initial position, thereby enabling braking control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of rotation.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the throttle operating wheel is maintained in a rotationally operated state, and the acceleration control of the drive source is possible according to the amount of rotational operation, and the amount of rotational operation is reset by operating the brakes of the vehicle, and the acceleration control of the drive source is possible according to the amount of rotational operation by further rotational operation.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the handle grip device described in claim 1, the throttle operating wheel is rotated in one direction from an initial position against a biasing force, thereby making it possible to control the accelerator of the drive source in accordance with the amount of rotation. Effect of the Invention

[0014] 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 gripped by the driver, and a throttle operating wheel that is formed on the grip body and can be rotated while gripping the gripping area of ​​the grip body, and that can control the vehicle's drive source by rotation.Therefore, by controlling the drive source by rotation using the throttle operating wheel, the throttle operating force can be reduced and operability can be improved.

[0015] 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 wheel 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 wheel, thereby improving operability.

[0016] According to the invention of claim 3, the throttle operating wheel can be rotated around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body or another intersecting direction, so that the direction of rotation of the throttle operating wheel can be arbitrarily determined depending on the dimensions, shape, etc. of the grip body.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 4, the throttle operating wheel is formed on the driver's side of the grip body, so that the visibility of the throttle operating wheel can be improved while improving operability.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 5, when the throttle operating wheel is rotated in one direction from the initial position, acceleration control of the drive source becomes possible according to the amount of rotation, and when the throttle operating wheel is rotated in the other direction from the initial position, braking control of the drive source becomes possible according to the amount of rotation, so that both acceleration control and braking control can be performed by the throttle operating wheel.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 6, the throttle operating wheel is maintained in a rotationally operated state, and the acceleration of the drive source can be controlled according to the amount of rotation. In addition, the amount of rotation is reset by operating the vehicle's brakes, and the acceleration of the drive source can be controlled according to the amount of rotation by further rotation. Therefore, the throttle operating wheel can be rotated smoothly in conjunction with the vehicle's brakes.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 7, the throttle operating wheel is rotated in one direction from the initial position against the biasing force, thereby making it possible to control the accelerator of the drive source according to the amount of rotational operation. Therefore, by releasing the rotational operating force, the throttle operating wheel will naturally return to the initial position due to the biasing force, thereby further improving operability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [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. 13 is a perspective view showing a switch portion (accommodating portion) in the handle grip device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a switch portion (rear side) of the handle grip device; [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a switch portion in the handle grip device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the rear side of the throttle operating wheel and the substrate 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; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 wheel 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 wheel 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 (the right side in Figs. 1 to 4) of the grip body 2, and the operation area β formed on the base end side (the left side in Figs. 1 to 4) of the grip body 2. Note that the reference numeral 5 in the figures 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.

[0026] 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 wheel S formed thereon. The throttle operation wheel 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 rotated by the driver with the thumb of the right hand, and can be rotated within the movable range of the fingers of the driver who is gripping the grip area α.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Here, the throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment is formed on the grip body 2, and can be rotated while gripping the gripping area α of the grip body 2, and can control the driving source of the vehicle (including the engine in addition to the motor in this embodiment) by the rotation. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the throttle operating wheel S can be rotated in both directions a (clockwise) and b (counterclockwise) about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2, and as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, it is configured to have an operating part Sa that can be operated by the driver's finger and a rotating shaft part Sb that is the rotating shaft of the operating part Sa. The rotating shaft part Sb according to this embodiment is made of a bolt and is attached to the rotation center position of the throttle operating wheel S via a washer 7.

[0029] 11 and 12, a plurality of magnets M are attached in a circular ring shape to the rear surface of the throttle operating wheel S, and when the driver rotates the wheel, the magnets M can rotate together with the throttle operating wheel S. The throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2 (i.e., the rotation shaft portion Sb extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2), but the wheel may be rotatable about an axis in another intersecting direction different from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2.

[0030] 12, the throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment has a circular recess and projection Sc extending in the circumferential direction formed on the back side thereof, and the tip of the holding member 8 is attached by abutting against the recess and projection Sc. The holding member 8 is pressed against the recess and projection Sc while being biased by the spring 9, and when the throttle operating wheel S is rotated, the holding member 8 rides up the convex shape of the recess and projection Sc to provide a moderation, and the holding member 8 fits into the concave shape of the recess and projection Sc to maintain the rotated state.

[0031] 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 the throttle operating wheel S, and as shown in Figures 8 to 11, is configured to include a switch case 6, the throttle operating wheel S on which a number of magnets M are attached in an annular shape, a holding member 8, a spring 9, and a magnetic sensor 11 attached to a substrate 10. Note that the reference symbol N in the figures indicates a holding plate that is attached to the back side of the throttle operating wheel S for covering and holding the multiple magnets M.

[0032] The switch case 6 is made of a resin molded product and includes an accommodation portion 6a for accommodating the throttle operating wheel S and the like, a protruding portion 6b in which a locking hole 6c is formed, a boss portion 6d into which the tip of the rotating shaft portion Sb is screwed and fixed, and a retaining hole 6e for holding a spring 9 that biases the retaining member 8. 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.

[0033] Meanwhile, a substrate 10 having a magnetic sensor 11 is attached to the rear surface of the switch case 6. The magnetic sensor 11 is capable of detecting the amount of rotation of the throttle operating wheel S by detecting changes in magnetism generated by the magnet M. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 11 is capable of obtaining an output voltage corresponding to changes in the magnetic field (changes in magnetic flux density) of the magnet M accompanying the rotation of the throttle operating wheel S, 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).

[0034] As a result, when the throttle operating wheel S is swung, the magnetism from the magnet M acting on the magnetic sensor 11 changes according to the amount of rotation (rotation angle), making it possible to obtain an output voltage according to the amount of rotation and to detect the amount of rotation of the throttle operating wheel S based on the obtained output voltage. The amount of rotation of the throttle operating wheel 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.

[0035] Here, the throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment is held in a rotated state by fitting the holding member 8 into the concave shape of the concave-convex shape Sc, and is rotated from the initial position in one direction a, enabling acceleration control of the motor (driving source) according to the amount of rotation, and is rotated from the initial position in the other direction b, enabling brake control of the motor (driving source) (for example, brake control by regenerative braking) according to the amount of rotation. In this case, both the accelerator control and the brake control can be performed by the throttle operating wheel S. Note that the throttle operating wheel S is not limited to being held in a rotated state, and may be configured to apply a biasing force from the rotation operating position toward the initial position, and to naturally return to the initial position by the biasing force when the rotation operating force is released.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the throttle operating wheel S may be held in a rotationally operated state by fitting the holding member 8 into the concave shape of the concave-convex shape Sc, and the acceleration control of the motor (drive source) may be possible according to the amount of rotational operation, and the amount of rotational operation may be reset by a brake operation (not shown) of the vehicle, and the acceleration control of the motor (drive source) may be possible according to the amount of rotational operation by a further rotational operation. In this case, the rotational operation of the throttle operating wheel S can be smoothly performed together with the brake operation of the vehicle.

[0037] 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 wheel S.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 wheel S that is formed on the grip body 2 and can be rotated while gripping the gripping area α of the grip body 2, and can control the vehicle's drive source by rotation.Therefore, by controlling the drive source by rotation of the throttle operating wheel S, the throttle operating force can be reduced and operability can be improved.

[0042] 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 wheel S 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 throttle operating wheel S, improving operability.

[0043] Furthermore, since the throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment can be rotated about an axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2 or in another intersecting direction, the direction of rotation of the throttle operating wheel S can be determined arbitrarily according to the dimensions, shape, etc. of the grip body 2. Also, since the throttle operating wheel S according to this embodiment is formed on the driver's side of the grip body 2, the visibility of the throttle operating wheel S can be improved while improving operability.

[0044] Although the throttle operating wheel S in the above embodiment can be rotated from the initial position in both one direction a and the other direction b to control the accelerator or brake of the drive source, it may be rotated only in one direction f from the initial position as shown in Fig. 16. Also, a spring or the like can be provided to apply a biasing force when the throttle operating wheel S is rotated.

[0045] In this case, the throttle operating wheel S is rotated from the initial position in one direction f against the biasing force, making it possible to control the acceleration of the motor (drive source) according to the amount of rotational operation. Therefore, by loosening the rotational operating force, the throttle operating wheel S will naturally return to the initial position due to the biasing force, further improving operability.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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]

[0048] 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]

[0049] 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 6d Boss part 6e Retaining hole 7 Washer 8 Retaining member 9. Spring 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 wheel Sa operation section Sb Rotating shaft Sc uneven shape n 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 operating wheel formed on the grip body, capable of being rotated while gripping the gripping region of the grip body, and capable of controlling a drive source of a vehicle by the rotational 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 wheel is formed at the base end of the grip body.

3. 3. The handle grip device according to claim 2, wherein the throttle operating wheel is rotatable 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 wheel 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 wheel is rotated in one direction from an initial position to enable acceleration control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of rotation, and is rotated in the other direction from the initial position to enable braking control of the drive source in accordance with the amount of rotation.

6. The handle grip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the throttle operating wheel is maintained in a rotationally operated state, and the acceleration control of the drive source is possible according to the amount of rotation, and the amount of rotation is reset by a brake operation of the vehicle, and the acceleration control of the drive source is possible according to the amount of rotation by a further rotation operation.

7. 2. The handle grip device according to claim 1, wherein the throttle operating wheel is rotated 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 rotation.

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