Steering device

Abstract

To provide a steering device that enables acceleration operation in two directions being a pushing direction and a returning direction so that the accelerator operation can be easily modulated, and that reduces operational burdens.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: An accelerator operation unit 30 comprises: a first operation part 32; a second operation part 33; a support part 34; and a support part attachment part 17 to which the support part 34 is attached in a rotatable manner. The first operation part 32 and the support part 34 are connected by a first connection part 35, and the second operation part 33 and the support part 34 are connected by a second connection part 36. The first connection part 35 and the second connection part 36 are formed at front and rear positions on the support part 34. A first connection part opening 23 is formed in a rotation region of the first connection part 35, and a second connection part opening 24 is formed in a rotation region of the second connection part 36 in the support part attachment part 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device that includes a hub portion (also called a "boss portion") that is positioned at the center of rotary steering, a gripping portion that is positioned around the hub portion and is gripped during rotary steering, and an accelerator operating portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a steering device for a vehicle has a hub portion attached to a steering shaft and a rim portion formed integrally with the hub portion on the outside of the hub portion. An accelerator operating member that swings or slides in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle is disposed on the front surface of the rim portion, and the accelerator is operated by pulling this accelerator operating member toward the driver (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-106693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the steering device of Patent Document 1, the accelerator can only be operated in one direction, by pulling the accelerator operating member toward the driver, making it difficult to adjust the speed of the accelerator operation, and the operation can be cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a steering device that allows accelerator operation in two directions, pushing and releasing, making it easier to vary the speed of accelerator operation and reducing the hassle of operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A steering device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a hub portion arranged at the center of rotary steering, a grip portion arranged around the hub portion to be gripped during rotary steering, and an accelerator operating portion, wherein the accelerator operating portion comprises a first operating portion, a second operating portion, a substantially cylindrical support portion located between the first operating portion and the second operating portion, and a support portion mounting portion for rotatably mounting the support portion, wherein the first operating portion and the support portion are connected by a first connecting portion, and the second operating portion and the support portion are connected by a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed at positions in front and behind the support portion, and the support portion mounting portion has a first connecting portion opening formed in the rotation region of the first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion opening formed in the rotation region of the second connecting portion.

[0007] In a steering device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the accelerator operation portion includes a first operation portion, a second operation portion, and a generally cylindrical support portion located between the first operation portion and the second operation portion, the first operation portion and the support portion being connected by a first connecting portion, the second operation portion and the support portion being connected by a second connecting portion, and the support portion being rotatable, so that by operating the first operation portion and the second operation portion with a finger, the support portion can be rotated in two directions, a pushing direction and a returning direction, thereby operating the accelerator. As a result, it is easier to vary the speed of the accelerator operation and the hassle of operation can be reduced.

[0008] Furthermore, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed at front and rear positions on the support portion, and the support portion attachment portion has a first connecting portion opening formed in the rotation region of the first connecting portion and a second connecting portion opening formed in the rotation region of the second connecting portion, so that a larger area can be ensured for the region between the first connecting portion opening and the second connecting portion opening on the support portion attachment portion compared to when the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed in a substantially straight line. As a result, the strength of the support portion attachment portion near the rotation region of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can be increased.

[0009] A steering device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the steering device of the first aspect, wherein the first operating portion is plate-shaped and the second operating portion is rod-shaped.

[0010] In the steering device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first operating unit is plate-shaped and therefore easy to push with the thumb, and the second operating unit is rod-shaped and therefore easy to push back with the pads or joints of the index finger, middle finger, or ring finger, that is, to push the support part with the thumb to rotate it in one direction and push back with the index finger, etc. to rotate it in the opposite direction. As a result, the two-way operation of the pushing direction and the releasing direction makes it easy to vary the speed of accelerator operation, and the hassle of operation can be reduced.

[0011] The term "plate-shaped" includes forming a depression or the like to make it easier to press with the thumb. The term "rod-shaped" also includes making the contact portion thin so that it is easier to push back with the pads or joints of the index finger, middle finger, or ring finger. In addition, both the "plate-shaped" and "rod-shaped" may have a surface treatment such as fine irregularities (grain) on the contact portion with the fingers or joints.

[0012] A steering device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the steering device of the first or second aspect, wherein a through hole is formed in the support portion, and a sensor for detecting the amount of rotation of the support portion is attached to the through hole.

[0013] In a steering device according to a third aspect of the present invention, a through hole is formed in the support portion, and a sensor for detecting the amount of rotation of the support portion is attached to the through hole, so that the degree of rotation of the support portion in two directions can be detected as a rotation angle, and the accelerator can be operated. In addition, the accelerator operation portion can be made compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a steering core member of a steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an accelerator operation unit in a steering device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accelerator operation part of FIG. 2 after assembly. [Figure 4]4 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the accelerator operation part of FIG. 3 to the grip core material. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the accelerator operation unit 30 is attached to the brake operation unit holder 12 to which the brake operation unit 10 is attached, and the brake operation unit holder 12 is attached to the grip core 6 of the steering core 2.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the steering core 2 of the steering device 1 of this embodiment includes a hub 3, a hub portion 4 disposed at the center of rotational steering, and a grip core 6 of a grip portion 5 disposed around the hub portion 4 and gripped during rotational steering. The steering device 1 is attached to a steering shaft (not shown) at the hub 3. Therefore, the hub 3 serves as the central axis of rotational steering.

[0017] Furthermore, the grip core material 6 is formed in a roughly U-shape with an open top, and the steering device 1 can change the direction of travel significantly with just a slight turn, eliminating the need to change hands while steering, making it a so-called "small steering angle steering."

[0018] A brake operating unit 10 is attached to part A and part B of the steering core 2. An accelerator operating unit 30 is attached to part B. The following description relates to part B.

[0019] Note that the shape of the brake lever 11 in the brake operation unit 10, the structure of the brake operation unit holder 12, the method of transmitting the brake operation to the vehicle body, the structure of the accelerator operation unit 30, and the procedure for attaching the accelerator operation unit 30 to the brake operation unit holder 12, which will be described below, are examples only and may be changed as appropriate depending on the brake operation method, the sensors used, etc.

[0020] 2, the brake operation unit holder 12 includes a brake operation unit mounting portion 14 to which the brake operation unit 10 is attached, and an accelerator operation unit mounting portion 15 to which the accelerator operation unit 30 is attached. The brake operation unit 10 includes a brake lever 11, a brake shaft 16, and a spring 13.

[0021] The brake lever 11 is curved in an arch shape like a bicycle brake lever, and is rotatably attached to the brake operation unit attachment part 14 together with the brake shaft 16. The brake shaft 16 is also connected to a mechanical element including a shaft (not shown) via a joint 61, and when the brake lever 11 is squeezed, the brake shaft 16 rotates, and the amount of grip of the brake lever 11, i.e., the amount of braking, is transmitted to the vehicle body side by the mechanical element, thereby activating the brake. A spring 13 is also attached between the brake lever 11 and the brake operation unit attachment part 14, so that when the brake lever 11 is released, the brake lever 11 returns to its original position.

[0022] The accelerator operation unit 30 includes an accelerator lever 31, a sensor 37, and attachment members such as a spring, bushing, and snap ring for attaching the accelerator lever 31 and the sensor 37 to the brake operation unit holder 12 and for rotatably operating the accelerator lever 31.

[0023] The accelerator lever 31 includes a first operating part 32, a second operating part 33, and a rotatable support part 34 between the first operating part 32 and the second operating part 33. The first operating part 32 and the support part 34 are connected by a first connecting part 35, and the second operating part 33 and the support part 34 are connected by a second connecting part 36.

[0024] The support portion 34 is cylindrical, and the first connecting portion 35 and the second connecting portion 36 are located at the front and rear in the height direction of the cylinder, i.e., are connected to the support portion 34 at positions that are offset from a straight line.

[0025] The first operating unit 32 is formed in a plate shape with a slightly recessed portion where the thumb is placed, so that it can be operated with the thumb, while the second operating unit 33 is formed in a rod shape so that it can be operated with the pads or joints of the index, middle or ring finger.

[0026] A through hole 50 is formed in the support part 34 for inserting and fixing a sensor shaft 39 of a sensor 37 that converts the amount of accelerator operation by the first operating part 32 or the second operating part 33, i.e., the rotation angle of the support part 34, into an electric signal and adjusts the throttle opening in accordance with this electric signal. The sensor 37 can be a potentiometer or the like that can change its resistance value in accordance with the amount of rotation.

[0027] The sensor 37 comprises a sensor main body 38 and a sensor shaft 39. A protrusion 40 is formed in the sensor main body 38 in the direction perpendicular to the sensor shaft 39, and two protrusion through-holes 41 are formed in the protrusion 40. A groove 42 is also formed in the tip of the sensor shaft 39.

[0028] In addition, a front compression coil spring 43 and a rear compression coil spring 44 are used to return the accelerator lever 31 to the position before operation when the fingers are released from the first operating part 32 and the second operating part 33.

[0029] The accelerator operation unit mounting portion 15 of the brake operation unit holder 12 includes a support mounting portion 17 to which the support portion 34 of the accelerator operation unit 30 is attached, and a sensor mounting portion 18 to which the sensor 37 is attached. In addition, the sensor mounting portion 18 has two screw holes 21 for mounting the sensor.

[0030] A front guide portion 19 and a rear guide portion 20 that guide the insertion of the support portion 34 are formed in front and behind the support portion attachment portion 17. In addition, the support portion attachment portion 17 is formed with a first connecting portion opening 23 and a second connecting portion opening 24 that allow the first connecting portion 35 and the second connecting portion 36 of the accelerator lever 31 to rotate.

[0031] Additionally, the accelerator operation part mounting part 15 of the brake operation part holder 12 is formed with three screw holes 22 for mounting the core material (FIG. 4).

[0032] The accelerator operation unit 30 is attached to the accelerator operation unit attachment portion 15 in the following procedure.

[0033] First, the front compression coil spring 43 and the rear compression coil spring 44 are attached to the support portion 34 of the accelerator lever 31 , and then attached to the support portion attachment portion 17 .

[0034] Next, the front bushing 45 is attached to the front guide portion 19 of the accelerator operation portion attachment portion 15, and the rear bushing 46 is attached to the rear guide portion 20.

[0035] Next, the sensor shaft 39 of the sensor 37 is passed through the sensor mounting portion 18 of the brake operation unit holder 12, the rear washer 48 is attached, the sensor is passed through the rear guide portion 20, the rear bushing 46, the support portion 34, the front bushing 45, and the front guide portion 19, and the front washer 47 is attached. Thereafter, the snap ring 49 is inserted into the groove 42 of the sensor shaft 39 protruding to the front side of the front washer 47 and attached.

[0036] Next, a screw 60 is inserted into the protrusion through hole 41 formed in the sensor main body 38 and screwed into the sensor mounting screw hole 21 of the brake operating unit holder 12, completing the attachment of the accelerator operating unit 30 to the accelerator operating unit mounting portion 15.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the accelerator operation unit of Figure 2 after assembly. As shown in Figure 3, accelerator operation unit 30 is attached to brake operation unit holder 12 as a sub-assembly. First connecting portion 35 of accelerator lever 31 is rotatable through first connecting portion opening 23 of accelerator operation unit mounting portion 15, and second connecting portion 36 is rotatable through second connecting portion opening 24. The rotation of accelerator lever 31 is detected as a rotation angle by sensor 37, and the accelerator can be operated based on that rotation angle.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the accelerator operation part to the grip core material of Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the grip core material 6 is formed with a through hole 7 for fixing the brake operation part. In addition, the grip core material 6 is formed with a space for rotatably accommodating the support part 34, although this is not shown.

[0039] The brake operation unit holder 12 is placed below the brake operation unit fixing through hole 7, and a screw 60 is inserted and tightened into the core material mounting screw hole portion 22 of the brake operation unit holder 12 to complete the attachment to the grip core material 6.

[0040] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] (1) In the above embodiment, the accelerator operating unit 30 includes a first operating unit 32, a second operating unit 33, and a cylindrical support unit 34 located between the first operating unit 32 and the second operating unit 33. The first operating unit 32 and the support unit 34 are connected by a first connecting unit 35, and the second operating unit 33 and the support unit 34 are connected by a second connecting unit 36. The support unit 34 is rotatable, so that by operating the first operating unit 32 and the second operating unit 33 with a finger, the support unit 34 can be rotated in two directions, a pushing direction and a returning direction, to operate the accelerator. As a result, it becomes easier to vary the speed of the accelerator operation, and the hassle of operation can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, in support portion mounting portion 17 of accelerator operation portion mounting portion 15, first connecting portion opening 23 is formed in the rotation region of first connecting portion 35, and second connecting portion opening 24 is formed in the rotation region of second connecting portion 36. Therefore, compared to when first connecting portion 35 and second connecting portion 36 are formed in a straight line, a larger area can be secured for the region between first connecting portion opening 23 and second connecting portion opening 24 (section C in FIG. 3) in brake operation portion holder 12. As a result, the strength of the accelerator operation portion mounting portion 15 in the vicinity of the rotation region of first connecting portion 35 and second connecting portion 36 can be increased.

[0043] The accelerator operation unit 30 is attached to the accelerator operation unit mounting portion 15 of the brake operation unit holder 12 of the brake operation unit 10, i.e., it is made into a sub-assembly, and then the brake operation unit holder 12 is attached to the grip portion core material 6 of the grip portion 5, so that the brake operation unit 10 and the accelerator operation unit 30 can be easily attached to the grip portion core material 6. As a result, there is no need to manufacture separate members for attaching the brake operation unit 10 and the accelerator operation unit 30.

[0044] The first operating unit 32 is plate-shaped, making it easy to push with the thumb, and the second operating unit 33 is rod-shaped, making it easy to push back with the pads or joints of the index, middle or ring finger, that is, to push the support unit 34 with the thumb to rotate it in one direction and push back with the index finger or the like to rotate it in the opposite direction. As a result, the two-way operation of pushing and releasing makes it easy to vary the speed of accelerator operation, reducing the hassle of operation.

[0045] A through hole 50 is formed in the support part 34, and a sensor 37 that detects the amount of rotation of the support part 34 is attached to the through hole 50, so that the degree of rotation of the support part 34 in two directions can be detected as a rotation angle and the accelerator can be operated. In addition, the accelerator operating part 30 can be made compact.

[0046] Furthermore, since the compact accelerator operation unit 30 is attached to the brake operation unit holder 12, it is possible to reduce the size of the brake operation unit holder 12. Furthermore, since the brake operation unit holder 12 to which the accelerator operation unit 30 is attached is attached to the grip core material 6 of the grip 5, attachment to the grip core material 6 is simplified.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the object of the present invention.

[0048] For example, in the above embodiment, the accelerator operating unit 30 is attached to the brake operating unit holder 12 to which the brake operating unit 10 is attached, and the brake operating unit holder 12 is attached to the grip core material 6 of the steering core material 2, but the accelerator operating unit 30 may be separated from the brake operating unit 10, and the core material attachment screw hole portion 22 of the above brake operating unit holder 12 may be used as the core material attachment screw hole portion 22 of the accelerator operating unit 30 and attached to the grip core material 6 by screwing it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Steering device 2 Steering core material 4 Hub section 6. Grip core material 10 Brake operation unit 12 Brake operation unit holder 15 Accelerator operation part mounting part 17 Support mounting part 18 Sensor mounting part 23 1st connection opening 24 2nd connection opening 30 Accelerator operation section 31 Accelerator lever 32 1st operation section 33 2nd operation section 34 Support part 35 1st operation section 36 2nd connection part 37 Sensors 38 Sensor body 39 Sensor shaft 50 through holes

Claims

1. A steering device including a hub portion disposed at the center of rotational steering, a grip portion disposed around the hub portion and gripped during rotational steering, and an accelerator operation portion, the accelerator operation unit includes a first operation unit, a second operation unit, a substantially cylindrical support unit located between the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and a support unit attachment unit to which the support unit is rotatably attached, the first operating portion and the support portion are connected by a first connecting portion, the second operating portion and the support portion are connected by a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed at the front and rear of the support portion, A steering device characterized in that a first connecting portion opening is formed in the support portion mounting portion in a rotation area of ​​the first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion opening is formed in the rotation area of ​​the second connecting portion.

2. The steering device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operating portion is plate-shaped, and the second operating portion is rod-shaped.

3. The support portion has a through hole formed therein, 3. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein a sensor for detecting the amount of rotation of the support portion is attached to the through hole.

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