Handle switch device

Abstract

The present invention provides a handle switch device that can reduce the width of the switch case and make it thinner, regardless of the size of the circuit board mounted inside the switch case. [Solution] A handle switch device 1 comprises a switch case F attached to the handlebar H of a vehicle, an operating unit 2 attached to the switch case F and capable of operating various electrical components mounted on the vehicle, a switch unit 4 capable of generating an electrical signal in response to the operation of the operating unit 2, and a plate-shaped substrate 3 on which the switch unit 4 is formed and on which a predetermined electrical circuit is formed, wherein the substrate 3 is mounted inside the switch case F so as to be substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the handlebar H, and the switch unit 4 is attached to the side edge of the substrate 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle switch device that is attached to a handlebar of a vehicle and can operate various electrical components mounted on the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs are equipped with a steering handlebar, and handle grips that can be held by a driver during driving are respectively attached to both ends of the handlebar. And, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, a handle switch device in which a plurality of operation switches for operating various electrical components mounted on the vehicle are formed is fixed at a position adjacent to the handle grip on the handlebar.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, recently, in order to improve the design of the vehicle, it may be required to make the switch case of the handle switch device thinner. However, when attaching a substrate for an operation switch in the switch case, a switch case having a width dimension at least larger than the size (surface area) of the substrate is required, so it has been difficult to make the switch case thinner.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a handle switch device that can reduce the width dimension of the switch case and make it thinner regardless of the size of the substrate attached in the switch case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a handle switch device comprising: a switch case attached to the handlebars of a vehicle; an operating unit attached to the switch case and capable of operating various electrical components mounted on the vehicle; a switch unit capable of generating an electrical signal in response to the operation of the operating unit; and a plate-shaped substrate on which the switch unit is formed and on which a predetermined electrical circuit is formed, wherein the substrate is mounted inside the switch case so as to be substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the handlebars, and the switch unit is attached to the side edge of the substrate.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the handle switch device described in claim 1, the substrate has an arc-shaped portion whose side edge is formed in an arc shape when viewed from above, and a plurality of switch portions are mounted in a row on the arc-shaped portion.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the handle switch device described in claim 1, an operating lever that can be operated by the fingers of a driver gripping a handle grip attached to the handlebar is attached to the switch case, and a detection sensor for detecting the amount of operation of the operating lever is formed on the front or back surface of the substrate.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is a handle switch device according to claim 3, wherein the operating lever is a throttle lever that controls the drive source of the vehicle according to the amount of operation, and the detection sensor is a magnetic sensor that detects the amount of operation by detecting a change in the magnetic field of a magnet attached to the throttle lever.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the handle switch device described in claim 1, the switch portion consists of a tact switch that can be electrically turned on and off in response to the operation of the operating portion.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the handle switch device described in claim 1, a guide member is provided which is disposed adjacent to the substrate and which has a guide portion formed thereon for guiding the movement of the operating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the invention of claim 1, the substrate is mounted inside the switch case so as to be substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the handlebar, and the switch portion is mounted on the side edge of the substrate. Therefore, regardless of the size of the substrate mounted inside the switch case, the width dimension of the switch case can be reduced and the case can be made thinner.

[0013] According to the invention of claim 2, the substrate has an arc-shaped portion whose side edge is formed in an arc shape when viewed from above, and the switch portion is mounted in a row on the arc-shaped portion, so that multiple switch portions can be positioned along the arc shape.

[0014] According to the invention of claim 3, an operating lever that can be operated by the fingers of a driver gripping a handlebar attached to the handlebar is attached to a switch case, and a detection sensor for detecting the amount of operation of the operating lever is formed on the front or back surface of the substrate. Therefore, the switch part and the detection sensor can be formed using both the side edge and the front or back surface of the substrate.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 4, the operating lever consists of a throttle lever that controls the drive source of the vehicle according to the amount of operation, and the detection sensor consists of a magnetic sensor that detects the amount of operation by detecting the magnetic change of a magnet attached to the throttle lever. Therefore, the operating lever can be used as a throttle lever, and the amount of operation of the throttle lever can be detected without contact.

[0016] According to the invention of claim 5, the switch portion consists of a tact switch that can be electrically turned on and off in response to the operation of the operating portion, so that the operating force applied to the operating portion can be reliably received at the side edge of the substrate.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 6, since the guide member is provided adjacent to the substrate and has a guide portion formed to guide the movement of the operation portion, the guide member can have both the function of guiding the operation portion and the function of reinforcing the substrate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] Overall perspective view showing a handle switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Overall perspective view showing the same handle switch device [Figure 3] Three views showing the same handle switch device [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3 [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 3 [Figure 6] View showing the same handle switch device and the handle grip to which it is applied, a perspective view showing (a) before insert molding and (b) after insert molding [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the same handle switch device and the handle grip to which it is applied [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view showing the same handle switch device [Figure 9] Perspective view showing the operation lever of the same handle switch device [Figure 10] Three views showing the substrate of the same handle switch device [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the substrate of the same handle switch device [Figure 12] Perspective view showing the substrate and the guide member of the same handle switch device [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the operation portion of the same handle switch device [Figure 14] Perspective view showing the operation portion of the same handle switch device [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the state in which the substrate, the guide member, and the operation portion of the same handle switch device are assembled [Figure 16]A schematic diagram showing the operating state of the control lever of the handle switch device. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram showing the handle switch device installed on a vehicle. [Figure 18] Overall perspective view showing a handle switch device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the handle switch device 1 according to this embodiment is attached to the handlebar H of a two-wheeled vehicle (vehicle), and as shown in Figures 1 to 8, comprises a switch case F, an operating unit 2, a circuit board 3, a switch unit 4, an operating lever L as a throttle lever, a guide member 6, a protective member 7, and a cover member 8. As shown in Figure 17, the handle switch device 1 according to this embodiment is attached to the left and right ends of the handlebar H, respectively.

[0020] The switch case F is attached to the tip of the vehicle's handlebar H and, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, is integrally formed with the extension K. It has a front opening Fa covered by a cover member 8, a side opening Fb to which the operating lever L is attached, a locking claw Fc for locking the cover member 8, and a stay portion Fd that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a turn signal lamp 9 made of LEDs is attached to the stay portion Fd in this embodiment, and the turn signal lamp 9 can flash in response to the driver's operation.

[0021] The extension K consists of a cylindrical portion extending from the switch case F, and is configured to have a housing recess Ka for housing the vibrating means 10 (see Figure 7) and a screw hole Kb for inserting the mounting screw N (see Figure 7). The extension K is designed so that the tip of the handlebar H can be inserted through it, and as shown in Figure 6(b), the handle grip G is formed by insert molding (double molding) with a soft resin such as elastomer.

[0022] The handle grip G applied to this embodiment is fixed to the tip of the handlebar H and can be gripped by the driver, and at least a portion of the cross-section of the gripping area is flattened (an elliptical or flat irregular shape that fits the palm of the driver's hand, with the left-right (width) dimension being larger than the vertical (thickness) dimension). As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the handle grip G has a protruding Ga, and when the driver grips the gripping area, as shown in Figure 16, the Ga is positioned between the index finger and the middle finger.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a vibration means 10 is attached to the handle grip G. This vibration means 10 is installed in the housing recess Ka and can vibrate the gripping area of ​​the handle grip G by being energized at any desired timing. In this embodiment, the vibration means 10 can be activated, for example, when any operating part 2 is operated, to vibrate the handle grip G. The housing recess Ka is covered by a lid member 11 with the vibration means 10 housed inside, and the lid member 11 is fixed by mounting screws n.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the screw hole Kb formed in the handle grip G is aligned with the screw hole Ha formed in the handlebar H, allowing the mounting screw N to be inserted through it. In this way, the handle grip G and the switch case F are fixed to the handlebar H by the mounting screw N being inserted through the screw holes Kb and Ha and screwed in.

[0025] The operating lever L is attached to the side opening Fb of the switch case F, and as shown in Figure 16, it can be rotated by the driver extending their thumb while gripping the handle grip G and pressing the pressing portion La. In other words, the operating lever L is rotatably mounted on the side of the switch case F, and the pressing portion La extends toward the driver, and can be operated by pressing the pressing portion La.

[0026] Furthermore, the operating lever L is biased toward its initial position by a return spring S (see Figures 8 and 9), and returns to its initial position naturally when the operator releases their operating force. In addition, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the operating lever L according to this embodiment is fitted with a magnet M, and is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating lever L.

[0027] The operating unit 2 is attached to the switch case F and can operate various electrical components mounted on the vehicle. As shown in Figures 5, 8, and 15, it is composed of a first operating unit 2a and a second operating unit 2b, which are rectangular in plan view, and a third operating unit 2c, a fourth operating unit 2d, and a fifth operating unit 2e, which are circular in plan view. The operating unit 2 according to this embodiment is pressable, and by being displaced downward by the pressing operation, it is possible to electrically turn on the switch unit 4 formed on the substrate 3.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation unit 2 can be configured such that, for example, the first operation unit 2a is a starter switch for starting the vehicle's power source, and the second operation unit 2b is a hazard switch for flashing the turn signal lamps formed on the left and right steering wheel switch devices 1 of the vehicle. In addition, the third operation unit 2c, the fourth operation unit 2d, and the fifth operation unit 2e can be switches for setting the vehicle's driving mode.

[0029] However, as shown in Figure 13, the first and second operating sections 2a and 2b in this embodiment have a pressing section p formed on their back side that can press the switch section 4, and a pair of legs g protruding from them. Similarly, as shown in Figure 14, the third to fifth operating sections 2c to 2e in this embodiment have a pressing section p formed on their back side that can press the switch section 4, and a pair of legs g protruding from them.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, a protective member 7 made of soft resin is attached to the upper surface of the operating section 2, and a cover member 8 made of hard resin is attached to the upper surface of the protective member 7. As shown in Figure 8, the protective member 7 has bulges 7a to 7e formed at positions corresponding to the first operating section 2a to the fifth operating section 2e, so that it can cover and protect the operating section 2. The cover member 8 has openings 8a to 8e formed at positions corresponding to the bulges 7a to 7e, so that it can cover and prevent the protective member 7 from coming off.

[0031] Furthermore, the cover member 8 has an extension portion 8f protruding at a predetermined position, and as shown in Figure 2, the locking claw Fc formed on the switch case F is inserted into a locking hole 8g formed on the extension portion 8f and locked in place, thereby fixing the cover member 8 to cover the front opening Fa of the switch case F. When the protruding portions 7a to 7e of the protective member 7, which are facing outward from the openings 8a to 8e of the cover member 8, are pressed as desired, the first to fifth operating portions 2a to 5e are displaced in the direction of the press, pressing the corresponding switch portion 4 to turn it on.

[0032] The switch unit 4 is formed on the circuit board 3 and is capable of generating an electrical signal in response to the operation of the operation unit 2. In this embodiment, it consists of a tact switch that can be electrically turned on and off in response to the operation of the operation unit 2. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the switch unit 4 consists of a switch having a pressing portion 4a on its upper part, and when the pressing portion 4a is pressed, it is electrically turned on and can generate an electrical signal.

[0033] The circuit board 3 is a printed circuit board on which a switch section 4 is formed and a predetermined electrical circuit is printed on its front and back surfaces. In this embodiment, it is a plate-shaped member (a rigid plate material that cannot be bent flexibly). Wiring h extends from the circuit board 3, and by operating the operation section 2, an electrical signal (ON signal) generated by the switch section 4 can be transmitted to the vehicle.

[0034] In this embodiment, the substrate 3 is mounted inside the switch case F so as shown in Figure 4, that it is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the handlebar H (left-right direction in Figure 4) (i.e., the front and back surfaces of the substrate 3 are substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the handlebar H), and the switch unit 4 is mounted on the side edge (side surface) of the substrate 3, as shown in Figures 10 to 12. Specifically, a plurality of notches 3b are formed on the side edge of the substrate 3, and the switch unit 4 is fitted into and fixed in each of these notches 3b.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the substrate 3 according to this embodiment has an arc-shaped portion 3a formed in an arc shape when viewed from above, and a plurality of switch portions 4 are mounted in a row on the arc-shaped portion 3a. In addition, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the substrate 3 according to this embodiment has a magnetic sensor 5 (detection sensor) attached to its surface (or back surface) to detect the amount of operation of the operating lever L. The magnetic sensor 5 is formed in a position opposite to the magnet M attached to the operating lever L, and is capable of detecting the amount of operation (amount of rotation) of the operating lever L by detecting the change in magnetism from the magnet M that occurs when the operating lever L is rotated.

[0036] Specifically, the magnetic sensor 5 is capable of obtaining an output voltage corresponding to the change in the magnetic field (change in magnetic flux density) of the magnet M that occurs when the operating lever L is operated. For example, it is composed of a Hall element, which is a magnetic sensor that utilizes the Hall effect (specifically, a linear Hall IC that can obtain an output voltage proportional to the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) of the magnet M). The output signal obtained by the magnetic sensor 5 is transmitted to the vehicle side via wiring h. The amount of operation of the operating lever L detected in this way is transmitted as an electrical signal to the control means that controls the drive source (engine or motor) mounted on the vehicle, so that the drive source can be controlled.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the handle switch device 1 according to this embodiment includes a guide member 6 which is disposed adjacent to the substrate 3 and has a protruding guide portion 6a that guides the movement of the operating portion 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the guide member 6 is positioned opposite the substrate 3 at a predetermined distance apart, and the guide portion 6a is adjacent to the switch portion 4 attached to the substrate 3.

[0038] Then, when the operating units 2 (first operating unit 2a to fifth operating unit 2e) are assembled to the upper part of the switch unit 4 on the circuit board 3, the guide portion 6a of the guide member 6 is positioned between the pair of legs g of the operating unit 2, as shown in Figure 15. As a result, when the operator presses the bulging portions 7a to 7e of the protective member 7 to press the operating unit 2, the legs g slide along the side of the guide portion 6a, guiding the operating unit 2 to move in the pressing direction and press the pressing portion 4a of the switch unit 4.

[0039] However, the operating part 2, after being pressed and moved, is configured to move a predetermined distance and then come into contact with the side of the guide member 6 (the base position of the guide part 6a), thereby restricting further movement. As a result, when the operating part 2 is pressed, it moves while being guided by the guide member 6, pressing the pressing part 4a of the switch part 4 to generate an electrical signal. At the same time, any further pressing of the operating part 2 will be restricted, thus preventing excessive load from being applied to the pressing part 4a.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, a light-emitting means 12 is mounted on the surface of the substrate 3 according to this embodiment, near the mounting position of the switch unit 4. This light-emitting means 12 consists of an LED that emits light when power is applied, and can improve operability and design by irradiating light from the operation unit 2 or its surroundings. If the operation unit 2 is made of a transparent or translucent material, the light from the light-emitting means 12 can be irradiated through the inside of the operation unit 2.

[0041] According to the handle switch device 1 of this embodiment, the substrate 3 is mounted inside the switch case F so that its surface and back surface are substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the handlebar H, and the switch portion 4 is mounted on the side edge (side surface) of the substrate 3. Therefore, regardless of the size of the substrate 3 mounted inside the switch case F, the width dimension of the switch case F can be reduced to make it thinner.

[0042] Furthermore, the substrate 3 according to this embodiment has an arc-shaped portion 3a whose side edge is formed in an arc shape when viewed from above, and the switch portion 4 is mounted in a row on the arc-shaped portion 3a, so that multiple switch portions 4 can be arranged in positions along the arc. In particular, according to the handle switch device 1 according to this embodiment, multiple switch portions 4 can be arranged in an arc shape from the top surface of the switch case F to the front (driver's side), thereby improving the operability of the switch portion 4.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the handle switch device 1 of this embodiment, an operating lever L that can be operated by the driver's fingers gripping the handle grip G is attached to the switch case F, and a detection sensor (magnetic sensor 5 in this embodiment) for detecting the amount of operation of the operating lever L is formed on the front or back surface of the substrate 3. Therefore, the switch portion 4 and the detection sensor (magnetic sensor 5) can be formed using both the side edge and the front or back surface of the substrate 3.

[0044] Furthermore, the operating lever L according to this embodiment consists of a throttle lever that controls the drive source of the vehicle according to the amount of operation, and the detection sensor consists of a magnetic sensor 5 that detects the amount of operation by detecting the magnetic change of a magnet M attached to the throttle lever (operating lever L). Therefore, the operating lever L can be used as a throttle lever, and the amount of operation of the throttle lever can be detected without contact.

[0045] In addition, since the switch unit 4 according to this embodiment consists of a tact switch that can be electrically turned on and off in response to the operation of the operating unit 2, the operating force (pressing force) applied to the operating unit 2 can be reliably received at the side edge of the substrate 3. Furthermore, the handle switch device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a guide member that is disposed adjacent to the substrate 3 and has a guide portion formed thereon that guides the movement of the operating unit 2, so the guide member can combine the function of guiding the operating unit 2 and the function of reinforcing the substrate 3.

[0046] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the applied handle grip G, a handle grip B (throttle grip) that can be rotated in the α direction and control the vehicle's drive source may be used, as shown in Figure 18. Although the handle switch device according to this embodiment is applied to two-wheeled vehicles (engine-driven or motor-driven), it may also be applied to other types of vehicles equipped with handlebars H (vehicles such as ATVs and snowmobiles, or vessels such as motorboats). [Industrial applicability]

[0047] The present invention can also be applied to products with different external shapes or those with added functions, provided they are of a similar nature. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1. Handle switch device 2 Control section 2a 1st operation section 2b 2nd operation section 2c Third operation section 2d 4th operation section 2e 5th operation section 3 circuit boards 3a Arc-shaped portion 3b Notch 4. Switch section (tactile switch) 4a Pressing area 5. Magnetic Sensor (Detection Sensor) 6 Guide members 6a Information section 7. Protective components 7a~7e Swelling part 8 Cover component 8a~8e opening 8f extension 8g locking hole 9 Turn signal lamps 10 Vibration means 11 Lid member 12 Light-emitting means H Handlebars Ha screw hole G Handle Grips F Switch Case Fa front opening Fb side opening Fc locking claw Fd stay section K extension part Ka housing recess Kb screw hole L Operating lever (throttle lever) La Pressing part M magnet S Return Spring h wiring N Mounting Screw n Mounting screws p Pressing part g Legs B Handle grip (throttle grip)

Claims

1. A switch case that can be attached to the handlebars of a vehicle, An operating unit mounted on the aforementioned switch case, capable of operating various electrical components installed in the vehicle, A switch unit capable of generating an electrical signal in response to the operation of the aforementioned operating unit, A plate-shaped substrate on which the switch portion is formed and a predetermined electrical circuit is formed, A handle switch device equipped with, The handlebar switch device is characterized in that the circuit board is mounted inside the switch case so as to be substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the handlebar, and the switch portion is mounted on the side edge of the circuit board.

2. The handle switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that the substrate has an arc-shaped portion whose side edge is formed in an arc shape when viewed from above, and the switch portion is mounted in a plurality of parallel positions on the arc-shaped portion.

3. The handle switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that an operating lever, which can be operated by the fingers of a driver gripping a handlebar attached to the handlebar, is attached to the switch case, and a detection sensor for detecting the amount of operation of the operating lever is formed on the front or back surface of the substrate.

4. The handle switch device according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating lever consists of a throttle lever that controls the drive source of the vehicle according to the amount of operation, and the detection sensor consists of a magnetic sensor that detects the amount of operation by detecting a change in the magnetic field of a magnet attached to the throttle lever.

5. The handle switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch section consists of a tact switch that can be electrically turned on and off in response to the operation of the operating section.

6. The handle switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member disposed adjacent to the substrate and having a guide portion formed thereon for guiding the movement of the operating portion.

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