Mounting structure for auxiliary device for operating lever

Abstract

To provide a mounting structure of an auxiliary tool for an operation lever that is able to prevent deterioration of operability of the operation lever projecting from a steering column, even when the position of a steering wheel is moved to a driver side.SOLUTION: A recess 3d is formed in a peripheral surface 3c of a first operation lever 3. An auxiliary tool 1 for the operation lever includes: a holding portion 10 configured to hold the peripheral surface 3c; an auxiliary lever 20 protruding from the holding portion 10 to a rear side of the first operation lever 3 and configured to operate the first operation lever 3; and a projection formed on the holding portion 10 and configured to be fitted in the recess 3d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure for an auxiliary tool for an operation lever for changing an operation position by attaching it to an operation lever such as a direction indicator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a structure is known in which the tip of a wiper lever (direction indicator) is sandwiched by a spring clamp, and a movable lever is attached to the lower end of the spring clamp so that the wiper lever can be operated even when the arm is lowered during driving (Patent Document 1). Further, a turn signal lever (direction indicator) is constituted by a switch lever protruding from a steering column and an operation lever located on the tip side of the switch lever, and by making the attachment position of the operation lever with respect to the switch lever adjustable up and down, a structure in which the position in the vertical direction between the operation lever and the steering wheel can be changed is known (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Figure 13 is a front view of the steering wheel, and Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the driver's seat viewed from the right. As shown in Figure 14, the vehicle 50 has a steering wheel 2, a steering shaft 6 to which the steering wheel 2 is fixed, a steering column 5 that encloses the steering shaft 6, a first operating lever 3 (Figure 13) protruding to the left from the steering column 5, and a second operating lever 4 protruding to the right from the steering column 5. The first operating lever 3 and the second operating lever 4 are each positioned in front of the steering wheel 2. Here, "forward" is the direction toward the front of the vehicle 50 as viewed from the steering wheel 2, and "rear" is the direction toward the rear of the vehicle 50 as viewed from the steering wheel 2. Furthermore, in the following, when describing matters common to the first operating lever 3 and the second operating lever 4, they may simply be referred to as operating levers.

[0005] By the way, for example, if the vehicle 50 is small, or if the driver 60 is tall, when the driver 60 operates the accelerator or brake with their feet, their knees 61 may hit the lower end of the steering wheel 2, making it difficult to operate the accelerator or brake with their feet, or to operate the steering wheel 2. Therefore, conventionally, as shown in Figure 15, an extender 7 is sometimes interposed between the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 5, and measures are taken to move the mounting position of the steering wheel 2 diagonally upward and backward. By taking this measure, the distance between the lower end of the steering wheel 2 and the driver's knee 61 is increased by moving the steering wheel 2 diagonally upward and backward by a distance D, so that the knee 61 does not come into contact with the lower end of the steering wheel 2.

[0006] However, as shown in Figure 15, although the steering wheel 2 moves diagonally upward and backward, the mounting positions of the first control lever 3 and the second control lever 4 do not move. As a result, the position of each control lever becomes further away from the driver, which leads to a problem in that the operability of each control lever deteriorates.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was created as a result of diligent research to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever that can prevent the operability of the operating lever protruding from the steering column from being impaired even when the position of the steering wheel is moved toward the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (First invention) To achieve the aforementioned objective, the first invention of this application is: The steering wheel (2: Figure 15), The steering shaft (6) to which the steering wheel (2) is fixed, The steering column (5) contains the steering shaft (6), A mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever (1: Figure 1) to be attached to the operating levers (3, 4: Figure 13) of a vehicle (50: Figure 15) having operating levers (3, 4) positioned in front of the steering wheel (2) and protruding from the steering column (5), The circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c: Figures 2, 4) of the operating levers (3, 4) have recesses (3d, 4d: Figures 2, 4). The auxiliary device for the operating lever (1) is, A clamping part (10: Figures 2 and 3) for holding the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c), It protrudes from the clamping part (10) behind the operating levers (3, 4), and is an auxiliary lever (20: Figures 2, 4) for operating the operating levers (3, 4), The clamping portion (10) has protrusions (15A, 15B: Figure 6) for fitting into recesses (3d: 4d), It is characterized by having the following features.

[0009] The mounting structure for the auxiliary device for the operating lever according to the first invention of this application is such that the clamping portion clamps the circumferential surface of the operating lever, and the auxiliary lever for operating the operating lever protrudes from the clamping portion to the rear of the operating lever. In other words, according to the first invention of the present application, since the auxiliary lever is located behind the operating lever, even if the steering wheel is moved to a rearward position, the auxiliary lever can be easily reached, and by operating the auxiliary lever, the operating lever held by the auxiliary lever can be easily operated. Furthermore, since the clamping portion has a protrusion that fits into a recess formed on the circumferential surface of the operating lever, the clamping position of the clamping portion relative to the operating lever does not shift. In other words, according to the first invention of this application, the auxiliary lever can always be operated from the same position, making it less likely for operating errors to occur and enabling stable operation.

[0010] (Second invention) The second invention of this application relates to the mounting structure of the auxiliary device (1) for the operating lever according to the first invention described above, The auxiliary device for the operating lever (1) is, It can be divided into two parts: a first member (A: Figures 2 and 4) and a second member (B: Figures 2 and 4). The first component (A) is, The first clamping part (10A) has a first inner wall (11AR: Figure 6) whose shape corresponds to the shape of the circumferential surface (3c, 4c), and the clamping part (10) is formed by the first clamping part (10A), It has a first auxiliary lever (20A) that protrudes from the first clamping part (10A) behind the operating levers (3,4) and constitutes an auxiliary lever (20), The second component (B) is, The second clamping part (10B) has a second inner wall (11BR: Figure 6) whose shape corresponds to the shape of the circumferential surface (3c, 4c), and constitutes the clamping part (10). The second clamping portion (10B) protrudes behind the operating levers (3,4) and has a second auxiliary lever (20B) which constitutes the auxiliary lever (20), The surrounding surfaces (3c, 4c) are It is sandwiched between the first inner wall (11AR) and the second inner wall (11BR), The first auxiliary lever (20A) and the second auxiliary lever (20B) are integrated to form a single auxiliary lever (20).

[0011] The mounting structure of the auxiliary tool for the operation lever according to the second invention of the present application is divided into two parts, namely, a first member and a second member, and the circumferential surface of the operation lever is held by a first holding portion of the first member and a second holding portion of the second member. That is, according to the second invention of the present application, since the circumferential surface of the operation lever is held by two members, namely, the first holding portion and the second holding portion, even when the diameter of the holding portion is smaller than the diameter of the operation lever, the circumferential surface of the operation lever can be held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion. Therefore, the auxiliary tool for the operation lever can be attached to the operation lever. Moreover, since the first inner wall of the first holding portion that holds the circumferential surface of the operation lever and the second inner wall of the second holding portion are each shaped corresponding to the shape of the circumferential surface of the operation lever, no play occurs in the portion holding the circumferential surface of the operation lever. Thus, the auxiliary lever can be operated in a stable state. Furthermore, since the first auxiliary lever protruding rearward from the first holding portion of the operation lever and the second auxiliary lever protruding rearward from the second holding portion of the operation lever form a single integrated auxiliary lever, the operability can be enhanced compared to non-integrated ones. Furthermore, the design can be enhanced compared to non-integrated ones.

[0012] (Third Invention) The third invention of the present application is in the mounting structure of the auxiliary tool (1) for the operation lever according to the first or second invention described above, The convex portions (15A, 15B: FIG. 6) are a first convex portion (15A) formed on the first inner wall (11AR: FIG. 6), and a second convex portion (15B) formed on the second inner wall (11BR: FIG. 6), and is characterized in that the first convex portion (15A) and the second convex portion (15B) are fitted into concave portions (3d, 4d: FIGS. 2, 4).

[0013] The attachment structure of the auxiliary tool for the operation lever according to the third invention of the present application is an attachment structure in which a first convex portion formed on the first inner wall of the first holding portion and a second convex portion formed on the second inner wall of the second holding portion are fitted into a concave portion formed on the circumferential surface of the operation lever. That is, according to the third invention of the present application, since the convex portions respectively formed on the first holding portion and the second holding portion are fitted into the concave portion, the holding position of the holding portion with respect to the operation lever is difficult to shift. Therefore, according to the third invention of the present application, since the auxiliary lever can always be operated at the same position, operation errors are unlikely to occur and stable operation can be performed.

[0014] (Fourth Invention) The fourth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the attachment structure of the auxiliary tool (1) for the operation lever according to the second or third invention described above, the second member (B) has a shape obtained by turning the first member (A) inside out.

[0015] Therefore, according to the fourth invention of the present application, by connecting the back surfaces of the first member and the second member, the boundary between the first member and the second member is difficult to distinguish, and a single auxiliary tool for an operation lever with a unified design can be formed. Furthermore, when molding the auxiliary tool for the operation lever with a synthetic resin, since a mold obtained by inverting the front and back of the mold for molding the first member can be manufactured and used as the mold for molding the second member, the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary tool for the operation lever can be reduced.

[0016] (Fifth Invention) The fifth invention of the present application is in the attachment structure of the auxiliary tool (1) for the operation lever according to the second or third invention described above, The operation levers (3, 4: FIG. 1) are a first operation lever (3) protruding leftward from the steering column (5: FIG. 15), and a second operation lever (4) protruding rightward from the steering column (5), and has The first operating lever (3) and the second operating lever (4) each have a recess (3d, 4d: Figures 2 and 4) formed on their respective circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c). The auxiliary device for the operating lever (1) is, It is characterized by being attachable to either the first operating lever (3) or the second operating lever (4).

[0017] In other words, according to the fifth invention of this application, since the auxiliary device for the operating lever can be attached to either the first operating lever or the second operating lever, there is no need to separately manufacture an auxiliary device for the operating lever specifically for the first operating lever and an auxiliary device for the operating lever specifically for the second operating lever, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary device for the operating lever. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to determine during installation whether the auxiliary device for the operating lever is for the first operating lever or the second operating lever, the ease of installation of the auxiliary device for the operating lever can be improved.

[0018] (The sixth invention) The sixth invention of this application relates to a mounting structure for an auxiliary device (1) for an operating lever according to the second or third invention described above, The auxiliary device for the operating lever (1) is characterized in that at least one of the boundaries between the first clamping portion (10A) and the first auxiliary lever (20A), and between the second clamping portion (10B) and the second auxiliary lever (20B), has a reinforcing member (40) built in to increase the strength of the auxiliary device for the operating lever (1).

[0019] According to the sixth invention of the present application, in the auxiliary device for the operating lever, a reinforcing member for increasing the strength of the auxiliary device for the operating lever is incorporated in at least one of the boundaries between the first clamping portion and the first auxiliary lever, and between the second clamping portion and the second auxiliary lever, thereby increasing the strength of the auxiliary device for the operating lever. Furthermore, the reinforcing members can increase the rigidity of the auxiliary device for the operating lever, thereby improving the feeling of rigidity when operating the auxiliary lever.

[0020] As described above, the present invention provides a mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever that prevents the operability of the operating lever protruding from the steering column from being impaired, even when the position of the steering wheel is moved toward the driver. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the operating lever auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the first and second operating levers. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the auxiliary device for the operating lever according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the first operating lever. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the auxiliary device for the operating lever according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the second operating lever. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an auxiliary device for an operating lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a magnified view of the protrusion formed on the gripping part of the auxiliary tool for the operating lever. [Figure 7] (A) is a front view of the first component constituting the auxiliary device for the operating lever, (B) is a rear view, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of (B) taken along the DD arrow. [Figure 8] (A) is a front view of the second component constituting the auxiliary device for the operating lever, (B) is a rear view, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of (B) taken along the EE arrow. [Figure 9] (A) is a rear view of the second member to which the reinforcing member is provided, and (B) is a top view of the reinforcing member. [Figure 10] (A) is an explanatory diagram of the first operating lever, (B) is a cross-sectional view of (A) taken along the arrow AA, and (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB. [Figure 11] (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC arrow in Figure 3, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting structure of the auxiliary device for the operating lever to the first operating lever. [Figure 12]This is an explanatory diagram showing the auxiliary device for the operating lever attached to the first operating lever, viewed from the left. [Figure 13] This is a front view of the steering wheel. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing the driver's seat of a vehicle as viewed from the right. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration with an extender interposed between the steering wheel and the steering column. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] An embodiment of the mounting structure for the operating lever auxiliary device according to the present invention will be described. [vehicle] A vehicle to which the mounting structure for the operating lever according to this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the figures. As shown in Figure 15, the vehicle 50 includes a steering wheel 2, a steering shaft 6 to which the steering wheel 2 is fixed, a steering column 5 that encloses the steering shaft 6, a first operating lever 3 (Figure 1) protruding to the left from the steering column 5, and a second operating lever 4 protruding to the right from the steering column 5. An extender 7 is interposed between the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 5, causing the position of the steering wheel 2 to move towards the driver 60 (rearward). The first operating lever 3 protrudes to the left from the steering column 5 (Figure 13), and the second operating lever 4 protrudes to the right from the steering column 5. The first operating lever 3 and the second operating lever 4 are each positioned in front of the steering wheel 2.

[0023] [First operating lever] The first operating lever 3 shown in Figure 2 has the functions of turning the turn signals (indicators) on and off on the vehicle 50 (Figure 15), turning the headlights on and off on the vehicle 50, switching the headlight position between low beam and high beam, and flashing the headlights. The first operating lever 3 has a base 3a connected to the steering column 5 (Figure 15) and an operating part 3b that is rotatably pivoted at the tip of the base 3a. When the first operating lever 3 is pulled down, the left turn signal on the vehicle 50 flashes, and when the first operating lever 3 is pushed up, the right turn signal on the vehicle 50 flashes. Also, when the operating part 3b is rotated counterclockwise (towards the back from the driver's perspective) from its initial position (the position where the headlights are off), the headlights of the vehicle 50 turn on. Additionally, when the headlights are on, pushing the first control lever 3 forward switches the headlights from low beam to high beam. Pushing the first control lever 3 backward activates the high beam function and performs a flashing maneuver.

[0024] Furthermore, the first operating lever 3 as a whole resembles a spindle shape with both ends cut off, and the longitudinal cross-sections of the base 3a and the operating part 3b are circular. As shown in Figure 10, a recess 3d is formed in the circumferential surface 3c of the base 3a. As shown in Figure (B), the cross-section of the recess 3d is formed in an outwardly bulging arc shape. Also, as shown in Figures (A) and (C), a stepped portion 3f is formed at the boundary between the recess 3d and the circumferential surface 3c. In addition, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 2, a display portion 70 for identifying the operating position (rotation position) of the operating part 3b is printed on the circumferential surface 3c. In the illustrated example, the display portion 70 indicates the operating position for turning on the headlights.

[0025] [Second operating lever] The second operating lever 4 shown in Figure 4 has the function of operating the wipers and spraying washer fluid. The second operating lever 4 has a base 4a connected to the steering column 5 (Figure 15) and an operating part 4b that is rotatably pivoted at the tip of the base 4a. When the second operating lever 4 is pushed down one notch from the initial position (the position in which the front wipers do not operate), the wipers on the front of the vehicle 50 operate, and when it is pushed down one notch further, the operating speed of the wipers increases. Also, when the second operating lever 4 is pushed up from the initial position, the front wipers operate once. Furthermore, when the operating part 4b is rotated clockwise (towards the back from the driver's perspective) from the initial position (the position in which the rear wipers do not operate), the rear wipers on the rear of the vehicle 50 operate. Additionally, pulling the second control lever 4 backward (towards the driver) sprays washer fluid onto the windshield, and pushing the second control lever 4 forward (towards the rear) sprays washer fluid onto the rear window.

[0026] The second operating lever 4 has the same shape as the first operating lever 3, except for its function, and a recess 4d is formed on the circumferential surface 4c of the base 4a. Also, as shown in Figure 4, a display section 71 for identifying the operating position (rotation position) of the operating section 4b is printed on the circumferential surface 4c. In the illustrated example, the display section 71 indicates the operating position for operating the rear wiper. In addition, as mentioned above, most foreign-made vehicles have the function of turning the turn signals ON / OFF using the first operating lever 3, while most domestically produced vehicles have the function of turning the turn signals ON / OFF using the second operating lever 4.

[0027] [Auxiliary tool for operating levers] The main components of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever comprises a clamping portion 10 for gripping the circumferential surface 3c of the first operating lever 3, and an auxiliary lever 20. The auxiliary lever 20 protrudes from the clamping portion 10 diagonally to the left rear (towards the driver) of the first operating lever 3, and is positioned so that the driver 60 (Figure 15) can easily operate it with their left hand resting on the steering wheel 2. In other words, the driver 60 can operate the auxiliary lever 20 with the same feel as when operating the first operating lever 3 when the steering wheel 2 is not moved backward. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever is composed of two parts, a first member A and a second member B. In the following description, parts constituting the first member A are indicated by a reference numeral A, and parts constituting the second member B are indicated by a reference numeral B.

[0028] (First component A) Next, the configuration of the first component A will be explained with reference to the diagram. As shown in Figure 7, the first member A has a first clamping portion 10A for gripping the circumferential surface 3c (Figure 10) of the base 3a of the first operating lever 3. This first clamping portion 10A is a part obtained by dividing the clamping portion 10 into two. The first clamping portion 10A has a first semi-cylindrical portion 11A and a pair of first flange portions 12A and 13A. The first semi-cylindrical portion 11A is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. This first semi-cylindrical portion 11A has opposing straight ends, and a horizontally elongated, plate-shaped first flange portion 12A is formed to protrude outward from one end, and a horizontally elongated, plate-shaped first flange portion 13A is formed to protrude outward from the other end. Two first bolt holes 14A are formed through each of the first flange portions 12A and 13A. The first flange portions 12A and 13A are connected to the second flange portions 12B and 13B (Figure 8) of the second member B, respectively, when the auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 is attached to the first operating lever 3.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7(B), a first inner wall 11AR is formed on the back surface of the first semi-cylindrical portion 11A, with a shape corresponding to the shape of the circumferential surface 3c (Figure 10) of the first operating lever 3 that is gripped by the first clamping portion 10A. As shown in Figure 6, a first protrusion 15A is formed protruding from the first inner wall 11AR. The first protrusion 15A is shaped to fit into a recess 3d (Figure 10) formed on the circumferential surface 3c of the first operating lever 3. Furthermore, a first stepped portion 15A1 is formed at the boundary between the first protrusion 15A and the first inner wall 11AR, which can engage with a stepped portion 3f (Figure 10) of the recess 3d.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the first auxiliary lever 20A protrudes from the left end of the first flange portion 12A, which is part of the left end of the first clamping portion 10A. This first auxiliary lever 20A is a divided portion of the auxiliary lever 20. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first auxiliary lever 20A protrudes from the first flange portion 12A diagonally to the left rear (towards the driver) of the first operating lever 3. As shown in Figure 7, the first auxiliary lever 20A has a substantially straight first straight portion 21A that protrudes from the first flange portion 12A, and a first curved portion 22A that curves from the tip of this first straight portion 21A toward the first clamping portion 10A. The first tip 23A of the first curved portion 22A faces toward the first clamping portion 10A. In other words, as shown in Figure 2, the first auxiliary lever 20A is curved toward the first operating lever 3. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the first tip 23A and the operating section 3b to allow the driver 60 to operate the operating section 3b. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the first auxiliary lever 20A as a whole has a shape similar to the letter J.

[0031] Figure 7(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Figure 7(B). The longitudinal section of the first auxiliary lever 20A is substantially U-shaped, and a first adhesive surface 25A for bonding with the second adhesive surface 25B (Figure 8(C)) of the second auxiliary lever 20B (Figure 8) is formed around the entire circumference of the open end of the first auxiliary lever 20A. A first step 27A is formed between the first adhesive surface 25A and the inner wall 28A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), reinforcing ribs 24A are formed at predetermined intervals between the opposing inner walls 28A of the first auxiliary lever 20A to increase the strength of the first auxiliary lever 20A. Each reinforcing rib 24A is continuously formed from the corner of the first step 27A to the bottom wall 29A between the inner walls 28A. Therefore, the first step 27A is not continuously formed from the corner to the bottom wall 29A, and it has a higher reinforcing effect than a bridge-shaped structure that bridges the inner walls 28A.

[0032] (Second component B) Next, the configuration of the second component B will be explained with reference to the diagram. As shown in Figure 8, the second member B has the shape of the first member A (Figure 7) inverted. The second member B has a second clamping portion 10B for gripping the circumferential surface 3c (Figure 10) of the base 3a of the first operating lever 3. This second clamping portion 10B is a part that divides the clamping portion 10 into two. The second clamping portion 10B has a second semi-cylindrical portion 11B and a pair of second flange portions 12B and 13B. The second semi-cylindrical portion 11B is formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. This second semi-cylindrical portion 11B has opposing straight ends, from which a horizontally elongated, plate-shaped second flange portion 12B is formed to protrude outward from one end, and from which a horizontally elongated, plate-shaped second flange portion 13B is formed to protrude outward from the other end. Two second bolt holes 14B are formed through each of the second flange portions 12B and 13B. The second flange portions 12B and 13B are connected to the first flange portions 12A and 13A of the first member A (Figure 7), respectively.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8(B), a second inner wall 11BR is formed on the back surface of the second semi-cylindrical portion 11B, with a shape corresponding to the shape of the circumferential surface 3c (Figure 10) of the first operating lever 3 that is gripped by the second clamping portion 10B. As shown in Figure 6, a second protrusion 15B is formed protruding from the second inner wall 11BR. The second protrusion 15B is shaped to fit into a recess 3d (Figure 10) formed on the circumferential surface 3c of the first operating lever 3. Furthermore, a second stepped portion 15B1 is formed at the boundary between the second protrusion 15B and the second inner wall 11BR, which can engage with a stepped portion 3f (Figure 10) of the recess 3d.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the second auxiliary lever 20B protrudes from the left end of the second flange portion 12B, which is part of the left end of the second clamping portion 10B. This second auxiliary lever 20B is a divided portion of the auxiliary lever 20. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second auxiliary lever 20B protrudes from the second flange portion 12B diagonally to the left rear (towards the driver) of the first operating lever 3. The second auxiliary lever 20B has a substantially straight second straight portion 21B that protrudes from the second flange portion 12B, and a second curved portion 22B that curves from the tip of this first straight portion 21B toward the second clamping portion 10B. The second tip 23B of the second curved portion 22B faces toward the second clamping portion 10B. In other words, as shown in Figure 2, the second auxiliary lever 20B is bent toward the first operating lever 3. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the second tip 23B and the operating section 4b to allow the driver 60 to operate the operating section 4b. In addition, the second auxiliary lever 20B as a whole has a shape similar to the letter J.

[0035] Figure 8(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in Figure 8(B). The longitudinal section of the second auxiliary lever 20B is substantially U-shaped, similar to the first auxiliary lever 20A, and a second adhesive surface 25B for bonding with the first adhesive surface 25A (Figure 7(C)) of the first auxiliary lever 20A (Figure 7) is formed around the entire circumference of the open end of the second auxiliary lever 20B. A second step 27B is formed between the second adhesive surface 25B and the inner wall 28B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(B), reinforcing ribs 24B are formed at predetermined intervals between the opposing inner walls 28B of the second auxiliary lever 20B to increase the strength of the second auxiliary lever 20B. Each reinforcing rib 24B is continuously formed from the corner of the second step 27B to the bottom wall 29B between the inner walls 28B. Therefore, the second step 27B is not continuously formed from the corner to the bottom wall 29B, and it has a higher reinforcing effect than a bridge-shaped structure that bridges the inner walls 28B.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(B), the bottom wall 29B of the second auxiliary lever 20B has a screw hole 26B formed therein for screwing in a screw 43 (Figure 9(A)) when attaching the reinforcing member 40 (Figure 9(B)). In this embodiment, the screw hole 26B is formed in the opening of a cylindrical member erected from the bottom wall 29B. In addition, there are two screw holes 26B along the second straight section 21B. As shown in Figure 9(A), a reinforcing member 40 is built into the boundary between the second clamping portion 10B of the second member B and the second auxiliary lever 20B to increase the strength of the operating lever auxiliary device 1. As shown in Figure 9(B), the reinforcing member 40 is formed in a plate shape and is attached so as to straddle the second flange portion 12B of the second clamping portion 10B and the second straight portion 21B of the second auxiliary lever 20B. The reinforcing member 40 has a screw insertion hole 42 for inserting a screw 43 (Figure 9(A)) and a bolt hole 41 for inserting a bolt 31 (Figure 2) formed through it. There are a total of two screw insertion holes 42 at positions corresponding to the screw holes 26B (Figure 8(B)), and there are a total of two bolt holes 41 at positions corresponding to the second bolt holes 14B (Figure 8(B)) formed in the second flange portion 12B.

[0037] Of the reinforcing member 40, the portion positioned on the second straight section 21B is fitted into the second step 27B (Figure 8(C)) of the second straight section 21B. When the back surfaces of the first member A and the second member B are bonded together to form a single unit, the reinforcing member 40 fitted into the second step 27B of the second member B is fitted into the first step 27A (Figure 7(C)) formed on the first straight section 21A of the first member A. At this time, no gap is formed between the bonded first straight section 21A and the second straight section 21B. In other words, the reinforcing member 40 is formed to a thickness that prevents such a gap from forming. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 40 is made of a metal material and is formed in a substantially V-shape in plan view. As described above, since the reinforcing member 40 is provided at the boundary between the clamping part 10 and the auxiliary lever 20, there is no risk of cracks forming at the boundary between the auxiliary lever 20 and the clamping part 10 when the operating lever auxiliary tool 1 is operated.

[0038] [Mounting structure for auxiliary device for operating lever] Next, we will explain the mounting structure of the auxiliary device for the operating lever. As shown in Figure 2, the clamping portion 10 of the auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 clamps the first operating lever 3, and the auxiliary lever 20 protrudes diagonally to the left and rear from the clamping portion 10. Also, as shown in Figure 11(B), the first protrusion 15A of the first clamping portion 10A is fitted into a recess 3d formed in the circumferential surface 3c of the first operating lever 3, and the first stepped portion 15A1 of the first protrusion 15A is locked into a stepped portion 3f of the recess 3d. Although not shown in Figure 11(B), the second protrusion 15B (Figure 6) of the second clamping portion 10B is fitted into a recess 3d formed in the circumferential surface 3c of the first operating lever 3, and the second stepped portion 15B1 (Figure 6) of the second protrusion 15B is locked into a stepped portion 3f formed at the boundary between the recess 3d and the circumferential surface 3c.

[0039] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the first operating lever 3, viewed from the left. As shown in the figure, by attaching the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever to the first operating lever 3, the operating position of the first operating lever 3 moves a distance L toward the driver. If this distance L is equal to or greater than the distance D (Figure 15) by which the steering wheel 2 moves backward (L≧D), the driver can easily operate the first operating lever 3 with their left hand resting on the steering wheel 2, just as before the steering wheel 2 moved toward the driver. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the clamping part 10 clamps the portion of the first operating lever 3 that does not obscure the display unit 70, so there is no risk of the display unit 70 being obscured and hindering operation due to the attachment of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the clamping portion 10 of the auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 clamps the second operating lever 4, and the auxiliary lever 20 protrudes diagonally to the right and rear from the clamping portion 10. Although not shown, the first protrusion 15A of the first clamping portion 10A and the second protrusion 15B of the second clamping portion 10B are fitted into a recess 4d formed on the circumferential surface 4c of the second operating lever 4, and the first stepped portion 15A1 of the first protrusion 15A and the second stepped portion 15B1 of the second protrusion 15B are locked into a stepped portion (not shown) formed at the boundary between the recess 4d and the circumferential surface 4c. Furthermore, by attaching the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever to the second operating lever 4, similar to the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the first operating lever 3, the operating position of the second operating lever 4 moves a distance L toward the driver. If this distance L is equal to or greater than the distance D (Figure 15) by which the steering wheel 2 moves backward (L≧D), the driver can easily operate the second operating lever 4 with their right hand resting on the steering wheel 2, just as before the steering wheel 2 moved toward the driver. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the clamping part 10 clamps the portion of the second operating lever 4 that does not obscure the display unit 71, so there is no risk of the display unit 71 being obscured and hindering operation by attaching the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever.

[0041] [How to attach the auxiliary device for the operating lever] Next, we will explain how to attach the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever. First, as shown in Figure 9(A), the reinforcing member 40 is attached to the second member B using screws 43. Next, the first auxiliary lever 20A of the first member A (Figure 7) and the second auxiliary lever 20B of the second member B (Figure 8) are bonded together. For example, adhesive is applied to the first bonding surface 25A of the first auxiliary lever 20A (Figure 7(C)) or the second bonding surface 25B of the second auxiliary lever 20B (Figure 8(C)), and the first bonding surface 25A and the second bonding surface 25B are brought into contact with each other to bond the first auxiliary lever 20A and the second auxiliary lever 20B together. At this time, care is taken to ensure that the part of the first bonding surface 25A closest to the first flange portion 12A and the part of the second bonding surface 25B closest to the second flange portion 12B are not bonded together. In other words, the first auxiliary lever 20A and the second auxiliary lever 20B are not bonded together around their entire circumference. This process results in the first auxiliary lever 20A and the second auxiliary lever 20B being almost integrated. Furthermore, the first clamping portion 10A and the second clamping portion 10B face each other in a non-bonded state, and the clamping portion 10 is formed by the first semi-cylindrical portion 11A of the first clamping portion 10A and the second semi-cylindrical portion 11B of the second clamping portion 10B (Figure 5).

[0042] Next, the clamping portion 10 is inserted through the tip 3e (Figure 2) of the first operating lever 3. However, as shown in Figure 10, the diameter of the portion of the first operating lever 3 in which the recess 3d is formed is smaller than the diameter near the boundary 3g between the base 3a and the operating portion 3b. Since the clamping portion 10 is formed to a diameter suitable for clamping the portion in which the recess 3d is formed, the clamping portion 10 inserted through the tip 3e is supported near the boundary 3g. However, as mentioned above, the portions of the first adhesive surface 25A of the first auxiliary lever 20A and the second adhesive surface 25B of the second auxiliary lever 20B that are close to the clamping portion 10 are not adhered to each other. This allows the first clamping portion 10A and the second clamping portion 10B to be separated from each other, and the diameter of the clamping portion 10 can be increased. Therefore, the worker grasps one of the first clamping portion 10A and the second clamping portion 10B with one hand, and grasps the other of the first clamping portion 10A and the second clamping portion 10B with the other hand, and inserts the clamping portion 10 toward the base portion 3a while increasing the diameter of the clamping portion 10 so as to cross over the boundary 3g.

[0043] Next, the first protrusion 15A (Figure 6) of the first clamping portion 10A, which is inserted through the base portion 3a, and the second protrusion 15B of the second clamping portion 10B are fitted into the recess 3d (Figure 10) of the base portion 3a. At this time, the first stepped portion 15A1 (Figure 6) of the first protrusion 15A and the second stepped portion 15B1 of the second protrusion 15B are worked to engage with the stepped portion 3f (Figure 10) formed at the boundary between the recess 3d and the circumferential surface 3c (Figure 11(B)). This completes the positioning of the operating lever auxiliary tool 1 relative to the first operating lever 3. Next, the bolts 31 (Figure 2) that make up the mounting member 30 are inserted through the first bolt holes 14A (Figures 3 and 7) and the second bolt holes 14B (Figure 8), respectively, and nuts 32 (Figure 2) are tightened onto the bolts 31 protruding from the second bolt holes 14B. Upon completion of this work, the first operating lever 3 is attached to the operating lever auxiliary device 1. Finally, the operating lever auxiliary device 1 is operated up and down to confirm whether the first operating lever 3 operates normally. Also, it is checked whether there is any play between the operating lever auxiliary device 1 and the first operating lever 3.

[0044] Furthermore, when attaching the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever to the second operating lever 4, it can also be attached using the attachment method described above. In this embodiment, the first operating lever 3 and the second operating lever 4 are each made of synthetic resin, and the color of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the first operating lever 3 is different from the color of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the second operating lever 4. For example, the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the first operating lever 3 is entirely yellow, and the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever attached to the second operating lever 4 is entirely red. By making each auxiliary device for the operating lever a different color, it is possible to easily distinguish between the operating levers (3 and 4). In particular, in the case of foreign-made vehicles, the first operating lever 3 often functions as a turn signal, and in the past, when a driver who had been driving a domestic vehicle drives a foreign-made vehicle, they may mistakenly operate the second operating lever 4 when they intended to activate the turn signal, and thus activate the wipers. By making each operating lever a different color, such operational errors can be prevented. Furthermore, by using a different color for each auxiliary lever, the range of design possibilities for the control system can be expanded. In addition, it is possible to differentiate the vehicle from the original vehicle that does not have the auxiliary lever installed.

[0045] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever according to the above embodiment is such that the clamping portion 10 clamps the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4), and the auxiliary lever 20 for operating the operating levers (3, 4) protrudes from the clamping portion 10 behind the operating levers (3, 4). In other words, according to the mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever as described above, since the auxiliary lever 20 is located behind the operating levers (3, 4), even if the position of the steering wheel 2 is moved backward, the auxiliary lever 20 can be easily reached, and the operating levers (3, 4) can be easily operated by operating the auxiliary lever 20 that grips the operating levers (3, 4).

[0046] (2) Moreover, the clamping portion 10 has protrusions (15A, 15B) formed on the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4) for fitting into recesses (3d, 4d) formed on the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c), so that the clamping position of the clamping portion 10 with respect to the operating levers (3, 4) does not shift. In other words, according to the mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever as described above, the auxiliary lever 20 can always be operated at the same position, making it less likely for operating errors to occur and enabling stable operation.

[0047] (3) The mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever according to the above embodiment is divided into two parts, a first member A and a second member B, and the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating lever (3, 4) are held by a first clamping portion 10A of the first member A and a second clamping portion 10B of the second member B. In other words, according to the mounting structure of the operating lever auxiliary device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the circumferential surface (3c, 4c) of the operating lever (3, 4) is clamped by two members, the first clamping part 10A and the second clamping part 10B. Therefore, even if the diameter of the clamping part 10 is smaller than the diameter of the operating lever (3, 4), the circumferential surface (3c, 4c) of the operating lever (3, 4) can be clamped by the first clamping part 10A and the second clamping part 10B, and the operating lever auxiliary device 1 can be attached to the operating lever (3, 4).

[0048] (4) Moreover, the first inner wall 11AR of the first clamping part 10A and the second inner wall 11BR of the second clamping part 10B, which clamp the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4), are shaped to correspond to the shape of the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4), respectively. Therefore, no looseness occurs in the part that clamps the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4), and the auxiliary lever 20 can be operated in a stable state.

[0049] (5) Furthermore, the first auxiliary lever 20A protruding from the first clamping portion 10A behind the operating levers (3, 4) and the second auxiliary lever 20B protruding from the second clamping portion 10B behind the operating levers (3, 4) form an integrated single auxiliary lever 20, which improves operability compared to a non-integrated design. (6) Furthermore, it can enhance the design compared to designs that are not integrated.

[0050] (7) The mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever according to the above embodiment is a mounting structure in which a first protrusion 15A formed on the first inner wall 11AR of the first clamping portion 10A and a second protrusion 15B formed on the second inner wall 11BR of the second clamping portion 10B fit into recesses (3d, 4d) formed on the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating lever (3, 4). In other words, according to the mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever as described above, the protrusions (15A, 15B) formed on the first clamping portion 10A and the second clamping portion 10B, respectively, fit into the recesses (3d, 4d), making it difficult for the clamping position of the clamping portion 10 to shift relative to the operating lever (3, 4). Therefore, according to the mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever as described above, the auxiliary lever 20 can always be operated at the same position, making it less likely for operating errors to occur and enabling stable operation.

[0051] (8) In the mounting structure of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever according to the above embodiment, the second member B has the shape of the first member A reversed. Therefore, according to the mounting structure of the operating lever auxiliary device 1 according to the embodiment described above, by bonding the back surfaces of the first member A and the second member B together, the boundary between the first member A and the second member B becomes difficult to discern, and a single operating lever auxiliary device 1 with a unified design can be formed. (9) Furthermore, when the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever is molded from synthetic resin, a mold can be manufactured by reversing the front and back of the mold used to mold the first member A, and this can be used as a mold for molding the second member B, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever.

[0052] (10) The mounting structure of the operating lever auxiliary device 1 according to the embodiment described above allows the operating lever auxiliary device 1 to be attached to either the first operating lever 3 or the second operating lever 4. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately manufacture an operating lever auxiliary device 1 for the first operating lever 3 and an operating lever auxiliary device 1 for the second operating lever 4, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the operating lever auxiliary device 1. (11) Moreover, since it is not necessary to determine during the installation process whether the auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 is for attaching to the first operating lever 3 or the second operating lever 4, the ease of installation of the auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 can be improved.

[0053] (11) The mounting structure of the operating lever auxiliary device 1 according to the above embodiment is such that a reinforcing member 40 for increasing the strength of the operating lever auxiliary device 1 is built into at least one of the boundaries between the first clamping portion 10A and the first auxiliary lever 20A, and between the second clamping portion 10B and the second auxiliary lever 20B, thereby increasing the strength of the operating lever auxiliary device 1. (12) Moreover, the reinforcing member 40 can increase the rigidity of the auxiliary device 1 for the operating lever, thereby increasing the feeling of rigidity when operating the auxiliary lever 20.

[0054] <Other Embodiments> (1) Instead of dividing the clamping part 10 and the auxiliary lever 20 into two parts, it is also possible to manufacture only the clamping part 10 by dividing it into two parts. For example, it is also possible to manufacture only the second clamping part 10B separately and manufacture a single component in which the first clamping part 10A and the auxiliary lever 20 are integrated. The auxiliary device for the operating lever 1 can then be attached to the operating lever (3,4) by clamping the circumferential surfaces (3c,4c) of the operating lever (3,4) with the first clamping part 10A and the second clamping part 10B. This mounting structure eliminates the need to bond the first auxiliary lever 20A and the second auxiliary lever 20B together.

[0055] (2) The reinforcing members 40 may also be provided on the first member A. Alternatively, the reinforcing members 40 may be provided on both the first member A and the second member B. Furthermore, the number, shape, and position of the reinforcing members 40 can be changed as desired. (3) Depending on the shape, position, and number of recesses (3d, 4d) formed on the circumferential surfaces (3c, 4c) of the operating levers (3, 4), the shape, position, and number of protrusions (15A, 15B) can be changed. (4) The shape of the auxiliary lever 20 is not limited to the shape of the embodiment described above, and can be changed to any shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Auxiliary tool for operating levers 2. Steering wheel 3. First operating lever 3c...peripheral surface 3D recessed 4. Second operating lever 4c...peripheral surface 4d recess 5. Steering column 6. Steering shaft 7. Extender 10...Holding part 10A ··First clamping part 10B ··Second clamping part 11AR · First Inner Wall 11BR - Second interior wall 15A ··First protrusion 15B ··Second protrusion 20. Auxiliary lever 20A ··First auxiliary lever 20B...Second auxiliary lever 40...Reinforcement members A...First component B...Second component

Claims

1. The steering wheel and The steering shaft to which the steering wheel is fixed, The steering column, which encloses the aforementioned steering shaft, A mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever, which is attached to the operating lever of a vehicle having an operating lever positioned in front of the steering wheel and protruding from the steering column, A recess is formed on the circumferential surface of the aforementioned operating lever. The aforementioned auxiliary device for the operating lever is, A clamping portion for clamping the aforementioned circumferential surface, An auxiliary lever for operating the operating lever is provided, which protrudes from the clamping portion behind the operating lever. The clamping portion has a protrusion formed therein for fitting into the recess, A mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever, characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned auxiliary device for the operating lever is, It can be divided into two parts: a first member and a second member. The first member is, Having a first inner wall having a shape corresponding to the shape of the circumferential surface, the first clamping portion constitutes the clamping portion, It has a first auxiliary lever that protrudes from the first clamping portion behind the operating lever and constitutes the auxiliary lever, The second member is, The second clamping portion has a second inner wall having a shape corresponding to the shape of the circumferential surface, and the second clamping portion constitutes the clamping portion. It has a second auxiliary lever that protrudes from the second clamping portion behind the operating lever and constitutes the auxiliary lever, The aforementioned circumferential surface is It is held between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, The mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever according to claim 1, characterized in that the first auxiliary lever and the second auxiliary lever are integrated to form a single auxiliary lever.

3. The aforementioned protrusion is, The first protrusion formed on the first inner wall, It has a second protrusion formed on the second inner wall, The mounting structure for the auxiliary device for the operating lever according to claim 2, characterized in that the first protrusion and the second protrusion are fitted into the recess.

4. The mounting structure for an auxiliary device for an operating lever according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second member has the shape of the first member reversed.

5. The aforementioned operating lever is A first operating lever protruding to the left from the steering column, It has a second operating lever that protrudes to the right from the steering column, The first operating lever and the second operating lever each have the aforementioned recesses formed on their respective circumferential surfaces. The aforementioned auxiliary device for the operating lever is, The mounting structure for the auxiliary device for the operating lever according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it can be attached to either the first operating lever or the second operating lever.

6. The mounting structure for an operating lever auxiliary device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, of the auxiliary device for the operating lever, a reinforcing member for increasing the strength of the auxiliary device for the operating lever is incorporated in at least one of the boundaries between the first clamping portion and the first auxiliary lever, and between the second clamping portion and the second auxiliary lever.

Images