Support mechanism

Abstract

To provide a support mechanism capable of protecting a device or the like attached to an outer end part of a handle of a two wheeled vehicle or the like from damage due to overturning.SOLUTION: The support device includes a support part 1 extending from an outer end of a handle H of a two wheeled vehicle or a three wheeled vehicle in a direction crossing an extending direction of the handle H, and a bent part 2 bent and extending from an end opposite to the handle H side of the support part 1 in an inner direction of the handle 1, and a device C to be supported is provided on the support part 1 via the bent part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of support mechanisms, and more particularly to support mechanisms for supporting equipment attached to the outer end of a handle of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle relative to the outer end. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles (hereinafter, two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles will be collectively referred to simply as "two-wheeled vehicles, etc.") have limited locations where devices that assist in operation (driving) can be attached. Patent Document 1 listed below is an example of a prior art document that discloses a conventional technique for attaching such devices to the handlebars of a two-wheeled vehicle, etc., based on this perspective. The conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 embeds a heating device in the grip portion of the handlebar, thereby warming the fingertips, etc., while riding, without interfering with the above-mentioned operations using the grip portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-34790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, in addition to the grip portion, other parts of a motorcycle to which the above-mentioned devices can be attached include the outer end of the handlebars (so-called bar ends). However, when attaching various devices to the bar ends, it is necessary to take into consideration the possibility that the motorcycle to which the devices are attached may tip over, and to protect the devices attached to the bar ends from damage due to the tipping over. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technology from this perspective. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively protect the devices attached to the bar ends from damage due to tipping over.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned demands, and one example of its objective is to provide a support mechanism that can protect devices attached to the outer end of the handlebars of a motorcycle or the like from damage due to a fall. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 comprises a support part extending from the outer end of the handle of a two-wheeled or tricycle in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the handle, and a bent part extending from the end of the support part opposite the handle and bending inwards towards the handle, and is configured so that a supported device can be attached to the support part via the bent part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual plan view showing a schematic configuration of a support mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A to 1D are external views showing the configuration of a camera unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a left side view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a right side view. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a mechanism for attaching the camera unit to the right handle of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged external plan view showing the configuration of the camera unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged right side view showing the configuration of the camera unit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a conceptual plan view showing the general configuration of a support mechanism according to the embodiment.

[0009] 1, the support mechanism S of this embodiment is a support mechanism for supporting a supported device C via a support part 1 that extends from the outer end of a handle H of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle in a direction (upward in FIG. 1) that intersects with the extension direction of the handle H (rightward in FIG. 1). The support mechanism S is composed of the support part 1 and a bending part 2.

[0010] In the above configuration, the bent portion 2 bends and extends from the end of the support portion 1 opposite the handle H side toward the inside of the handle H. The supported device C is provided on the support portion 1 via the bent portion 2.

[0011] As described above, according to the configuration of the support mechanism S of the embodiment, the supported device C is provided on the support part 1 via the bending part 2 that bends and extends from the end opposite the handle H of the support part 1, which extends from the outer end of the handle H in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the handle H, toward the inside of the handle H, so that the supported device C can be protected from damage due to, for example, a fall. [Example]

[0012] Next, specific examples corresponding to the above-described embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In the examples described below, the present application is applied to a case where a camera unit incorporating a camera with a spherical imaging function is attached to the bar end of the right handle of a motorcycle or the like, and the functions of the camera are controlled while operating the right handle.

[0013] Fig. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of the camera unit of the embodiment, Fig. 3 is a view showing the mechanism for attaching the camera unit to the handle, Fig. 4 is an enlarged external plan view showing the configuration of the camera unit, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged external right side view showing the configuration of the camera unit. In Figs. 2 to 5, the same component numbers as those of the support mechanism S of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are used for the components of the embodiment corresponding to the components of the support mechanism S.

[0014] As shown in a plan view in FIG. 2, the camera unit CU of this embodiment is attached to the bar end of the right handle H of a motorcycle or the like by a mounting shaft 20 via an attachment 21. This right handle corresponds to an example of the handle H of this embodiment. The camera unit CU is provided with a support portion 1 extending from the bar end of the right handle H in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the right handle H (leftward in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(c)), i.e., in the forward direction of a motorcycle or the like equipped with the right handle H in FIG. 2 (see the white arrow in FIG. 2). A camera storage portion 3 incorporating the camera C is provided at the end of the support portion 1 opposite the right handle H side via a bent portion 2 that bends and extends toward the inside of the right handle H. The support portion 1, the bent portion 2, and the camera storage portion 3 may be integrally molded from a member covered with, for example, so-called Duracon resin. In contrast, the outer side surfaces of the support portion 1 and the bent portion 2 are preferably formed from, for example, stainless steel.

[0015] On the other hand, as described above, the bent portion 2 bends and extends from the end of the support portion 1 opposite the right handle H side toward the inside of the right handle H, and its outer edge is curved. In other words, the outer edge has a smooth surface, and no corners or protrusions are formed. The camera storage portion 3 is integrally connected to the end of the support portion 1 opposite the right handle H side via the bent portion 2.

[0016] Next, the camera C is built into the camera storage section 3 as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 2(d), and window sections 4 and 5 are provided on both the front and back sides to ensure the imaging range of the camera C. Lenses for the camera C may be built into the window sections 4 and 5. In this case, the camera C corresponds to an example of the supported device C of the embodiment. Furthermore, the support section 1, bending section 2, camera C, and right handle H constitute an example of the support mechanism S of the embodiment.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the base of the support unit 1 (the portion attached to the right handle H) is fixed to the mounting seat B of the right handle H by the mounting shaft 20 via a washer 22, a biasing spring 23, a washer 24, an attachment 21, a washer 25, and a fixing portion 26. At this time, the camera unit CU is fixed to the right handle H so that, for example, a line connecting the centers of the window portions 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 2 is horizontal and parallel to the traveling direction of the motorcycle (see the outline arrow in FIG. 2) when the motorcycle or the like equipped with the right handle H is stopped. At this time, the position of the camera unit CU including the support unit 1 relative to the right handle H (see particularly FIGS. 2(b) and 2(d)) is hereinafter referred to as the "restricted position." The mounting shaft 20, the washer 22, the washer 24, the attachment 21, the washer 25, and the fixing portion 26 correspond to an example of a "rotating portion" and an example of a "restricting portion" in the present application, respectively.

[0018] In addition, the camera unit CU is rotatable from the restricted position in the upward direction (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 2) in FIGS. 2(b), 2(c), 2(d) and 5 by the mounting shaft 20 or the like, about the mounting shaft 20 (i.e., the central axis of the right handle H). At this time, the biasing spring 23 biases the support part 1 (i.e., the camera unit CU) in a direction that returns the camera unit CU that has been rotated upward from the restricted position to its original restricted position. As a result, the camera unit CU that has been rotated from the restricted position in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2 autonomously returns to its original restricted position (i.e., rotates in the opposite direction). At this time, the biasing spring 23 corresponds to an example of the "biasing means" of the present application.

[0019] Next, as shown in FIGS. 2(a), 2(c), 2(d), 4 and 5, a plate-shaped operator (switch) 10 is provided on the inside of the base of the support unit 1 (on the right handle H side), which is operated to control the on / off of the camera C. The operator 10 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 10B provided on the base of the operator 10 in both directions (i.e., directions toward and away from the support unit 1) indicated by solid double-headed arrows in FIGS. 2(a) and 4. The rotation shaft 10B is provided so as to be perpendicular to both the extension direction of the right handle H (i.e., the direction of the central axis of the right handle H) and the extension direction of the support unit 1 as viewed from its attachment to the right handle H. As a result, the operator 10 is rotatable in both directions indicated by solid double-headed arrows in FIGS. 2(a) and 4. At this time, the operating element 10 is biased by, for example, a biasing spring (not shown) so that when the operating element 10 is rotated in a direction toward the support part 1, it automatically rotates back to its original position (i.e., in a direction away from the support part 1). Furthermore, the end of the operating element 10 opposite the right handle H side is formed as a bent part 10A that is bent toward the inside of the right handle H. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2(d) and 5, an anti-slip uneven area 10C is formed on the surface of the operating element 10 on the right handle H side. With the above-described configuration of the operating element 10, it is possible to easily rotate the operating element 10 in both directions (see the solid double-headed arrows in FIGS. 2(a) and 4) using, for example, the little finger of the right hand that is gripping the grip part of the right handle H.

[0020] Meanwhile, a control signal output unit 11 for generating a control signal for controlling the on / off of camera C based on the rotation of operator 10 is built into, for example, support unit 1. For example, when operator 10 is rotated once in a direction approaching support unit 1, control signal output unit 11 generates a control signal for turning camera C on and outputs the control signal to camera C. Then, when operator 10 has returned to its original position by the autonomous rotation in a direction away from support unit 1 and is rotated again in a direction approaching support unit 1, control signal output unit 11 this time generates a control signal for turning camera C off and outputs the control signal to camera C. Due to the function of control signal output unit 11 corresponding to the rotation of operator 10, the on / off of camera C can be controlled by, for example, a simple operation of the little finger.

[0021] Here, the power supply for operating the camera C and the control signal generating unit 11 does not need to be provided in the camera unit CU itself, and it is preferable to configure it so that it is supplied from a battery of, for example, a motorcycle or the like to which the camera unit CU is attached.

[0022] As described above, according to the configuration of the support part 1 and bending part 2 that support the camera unit CU of the embodiment, a camera storage part 3 that incorporates a camera C is provided at the tip of the bending part 2 that bends and extends from the end opposite the right handle H side of the support part 1, which extends from the outer end of the right handle H in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the right handle H, and is therefore capable of protecting the camera C from damage due to, for example, a fall.

[0023] Furthermore, since the outer edge of the right handle H at the bent portion 2 is curved, the impact applied to the camera C via the bent portion 2 can be further reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, by rotating the entire camera unit CU around the central axis of the right handle H and by the biasing spring 23 toward the original restricted position, even if a strong external impact is applied to the camera unit CU, for example, when a two-wheeled vehicle to which the camera unit CU is attached falls over, the impact can be better absorbed and the camera C can be protected more effectively.

[0025] Furthermore, the rotation range of the support part 1 and the bending part 2 is restricted by a restricting position corresponding to the mounting position on the right handle H, so that the camera C can be protected while still functioning effectively.

[0026] Furthermore, since the support portion 1 and the bending portion 2 are urged to rotate in the direction of the restricted position by the urging spring 23, even if the entire camera unit CU rotates due to, for example, a fall, it can be automatically returned to the original restricted position.

[0027] Furthermore, the shapes of the support portion 1 and the bent portion 2 and the above-mentioned restricting positions correspond to the imaging range of the camera C, so that the imaging range can be secured while the camera C is effectively protected.

[0028] Furthermore, when controlling camera C attached via support part 1 extending from the outer end of right handle H in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the right handle H, for example, camera C is turned on / off by moving operator 10 provided on the right handle H side of support part 1 along support part 1 in a direction toward or away from support part 1. Therefore, camera C can be controlled by operating with, for example, the little finger of the hand while gripping the right handle H, so that necessary control of camera C can be performed without interfering with the operation of the right handle H, etc.

[0029] Furthermore, the end of the operator 10 opposite to the right handle H side is bent to form a bent portion 10A bent toward the right handle H side, so that the reliability of operation of the operator 10 can be improved.

[0030] Furthermore, since the operating element 10 is a plate-shaped operating element (switch) that extends along the surface of the support part 1 on the right handle H side, the operability of the operating element 10 can be further improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the operator 10 is provided at the end on the right handle H side and is capable of rotation about a rotation axis 10B that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the operator 10 and the extension direction of the right handle H, so that the necessary control of the camera C can be performed smoothly without interfering with the operation of the right handle H, etc.

[0032] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the object attached to the right handlebar H via the support portion 1 and the bending portion 2 is a camera C has been described. However, the present application can also be applied to cases where a distance measuring sensor or a bar-end mounted mirror is attached to the right handlebar H via a similar support portion and bending portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Support part 2 Bend H handle (right-hand drive) C. Supported device (camera) S support mechanism CU Camera Unit

Claims

[Claim 1] a support portion extending from an outer end of a handle of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the handle; a bent portion that bends and extends from an end of the support portion opposite to the handle toward the inside of the handle; Equipped with A support mechanism characterized in that a supported device is provided on the supporting portion via the bending portion.

Images