Handle switch

Abstract

Provided is a handlebar switch that can easily be made compact while ensuring the operability of the switch.　The handlebar switch comprises a switch case (60) provided on a handlebar (21) of a vehicle (10), and a first switch (90) supported by the switch case (60), characterised in that: the switch case (60) is provided with a projecting portion (73); the first switch (90) is a switch provided with a hinge mechanism (92); and the hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90) overlaps the projecting portion (73) when viewed in an operating direction of the first switch (90).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle switch.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a saddle-riding type vehicle, a handle switch provided on a handle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for miniaturizing a switch case of a handle switch while ensuring increased operability of the switch in the handle switch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the handle switch described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in achieving both the operability and compactness of the handle switch while maintaining the size of the switch button. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a handle switch that is easy to make compact while ensuring the operability of the switch.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification includes all the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-013386 filed on January 31, 2023. The handle switch comprises a switch case provided on the steering wheel of a vehicle and a first switch supported by the switch case, wherein the switch case is provided with a protrusion, the first switch is a switch equipped with a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism of the first switch overlaps with the protrusion when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This allows us to provide a handle switch that is easy to make compact while ensuring ease of operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the area around the handle of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a left side view of the left handle switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the left handle switch according to the first embodiment, viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the left handle switch according to the second embodiment, viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a left side view of the left handle switch according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that comprises a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports the front wheel 13 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for the rider. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the occupant sits straddling a seat 17. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the vehicle frame 11.

[0010] The vehicle frame 11 comprises a head pipe 18 located at the front end of the vehicle frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20.

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 18 so that it can be steered left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a located at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21, which is held by the rider, is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swingarm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 which is supported by the vehicle frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is an axis that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted through the front end of the swingarm 16. The swingarm 16 swings up and down around the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a located at the rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to the exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0014] Also, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which the occupant places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the vehicle body frame 11.

[0015] A headlight unit 30 is supported by the front fork 14. Above the headlight unit 30, a meter display device 31 is disposed. The meter display device 31 is covered from the front by a meter visor 32.

[0016] Figure 2 is a rear view of the vicinity of the handle 21 of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Behind the meter display device 31, the top bridge 14a of the front fork 14 is located. On the top bridge 14a, a pair of left and right handle posts 33 are provided. Between the pair of left and right handle posts 33, a main switch into which a key 34 can be inserted is provided.

[0017] The handlebars 21 are supported by the handlebar post 33. The handlebars 21 in this embodiment are cylindrical bar handlebars that extend in the left-right direction. The handlebars 21 have a central handlebar portion 21a fixed to the handlebar post 33, a right handlebar portion 21b extending linearly to the right from the central handlebar portion 21a, and a left handlebar portion 21c extending linearly to the left from the central handlebar portion 21a.

[0018] A cylindrical right grip 41 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the right handle section 21b. The right grip 41 is attached to the right handle section 21b via a throttle pipe (not shown). The left end (inner end in the left-right direction) 41a of the right grip 41 is widened in diameter. A right handle switch 42 that rotatably supports the throttle pipe is located on the left side (inner side in the left-right direction) of the right grip 41. The right handle switch 42 is located adjacent to the left end 41a of the right grip 41. The right handle switch 42 is fixed to the right handle section 21b. In this embodiment, the right handle switch 42 is provided with a starter switch 42a, an engine stop switch 42b, and a hazard switch 42c. A right lever holder 43 is located to the left of the right handle switch 42. The right lever holder 43 is located adjacent to the left end of the right handle switch 42. The right lever holder 43 is fixed to the right handle section 21b. The right lever holder 43 supports the master cylinder 45, the brake lever 46, and the right rearview mirror 47. In other words, the master cylinder 45, the brake lever 46, and the right rearview mirror 47 are supported by the right handlebar section 21b via the right lever holder 43.

[0019] A cylindrical left grip 51 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the left handle section 21c. The left grip 51 has an enlarged diameter at its right end (inner end in the left-right direction) 51a. A left handle switch 52 is positioned to the right of the left grip 51 (inner side in the left-right direction). The left handle switch 52 is positioned adjacent to the right end 51a of the left grip 51. The left handle switch 52 is fixed to the left handle section 21c. In this embodiment, the left handle switch 52 is equipped with a turn signal switch 110, a horn switch 100, a direction switch 80, etc. A left lever holder 53 is positioned to the right of the left handle switch 52. The left lever holder 53 is positioned adjacent to the right end of the left handle switch 52. The left lever holder 53 is fixed to the left handle section 21c. The clutch lever 56 and the left rearview mirror 57 are supported by the left lever holder 53. In other words, the clutch lever 56 and the left rearview mirror 57 are supported by the left handlebar section 21c via the left lever holder 53.

[0020] In this embodiment, the right grip 41 and left grip 51 are configured to be heated and are equipped with grip heaters. Accordingly, a grip heater switch 51b is provided at the right end 51a of the left grip 51 to switch the grip heaters of the right grip 41 and left grip 51 ON and OFF.

[0021] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the area around the left handle switch 52. Figure 4 is a left side view of the left handle switch 52 according to the first embodiment. In detail, Figure 4 shows an axial view taken along the central axis of the handle 21, specifically an axial view of the left handle portion 21c. The left handle switch (handle switch) 52 has a switch case 60 that supports switches 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120. The switch case 60 is made of resin, for example. As shown in Figure 4, the switch case 60 in this embodiment has a split structure in the front and rear, and has a rear case 61 that is recessed on the rear side (seat 17 side) and a front case 65 that is recessed on the front side (side away from the seat 17). The rear case 61 and the front case 65 are fastened together by sandwiching the left handle portion 21c from the front and rear directions, thereby fixing the switch case 60 to the left handle portion 21c. In other words, the left handle switch 52 is fixed to the left handle portion 21c of the handle 21.

[0022] In detail, the rear case 61 has an outer peripheral wall 62 that curves in a substantially semi-circular arc shape along the circumferential direction of the left handle portion 21c, an outer side wall 63 formed at the left-right outer end of the outer peripheral wall 62, and an inner side wall 64 formed at the left-right inner end of the outer peripheral wall 62 (see Figures 4 and 5). Handle housing portions 63a and 64a are formed in the outer side wall 63 and the inner side wall 64, which are cut out in a substantially semi-circular arc shape towards the rear.

[0023] Similarly, the front case 65 has an outer peripheral wall 66 that curves in a substantially semi-circular arc along the circumferential direction of the left handle portion 21c, an outer side wall 67 formed at the left-right outer end of the outer peripheral wall 66, and an inner side wall 68 formed at the left-right inner end of the outer peripheral wall 66. Handle housing portions 67a and 68a are formed in the outer side wall 67 and the inner side wall 68, which are cut out in a substantially arc shape toward the front.

[0024] With the left handle portion 21c housed in the handle housing portions 63a and 64a of the rear case 61 and the handle housing portions 67a and 68a of the front case 65, the rear case 61 and the front case 65 are fastened together by bolts (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction. This maintains the rear case 61 and the front case 65 sandwiching the left handle portion 21c, and the switch case 60 is fixed to the left handle portion 21c. The front case 65 is provided with a positioning pin 69 that protrudes toward the left handle portion 21c. The positioning pin 69 fits, for example, into a hole (not shown) formed in the left handle portion 21c to position the switch case 60 relative to the left handle portion 21c and prevent it from rotating. However, the fixing of the handle 21 and the left handle switch 52 is not limited to the above example.

[0025] In the following explanation, "radial direction" refers to the radial direction of the handle 21. That is, since the handle 21 is a cylindrical bar handle, the center of the cylindrical shape in the cross-section of the handle 21 is called the center O21 of the handle 21. Furthermore, "radial inner" refers to the side of the cross-section of the handle 21 that is toward the center O21 of the handle 21. In addition, "radial outer" refers to the side of the cross-section of the handle 21 that is away from the center O21 of the handle 21.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the left handlebar switch 52 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the rear and above. Figure 5 shows the left handlebar switch 52 corresponding to the rider's view. The outer peripheral wall 62 of the rear case 61 has a case body surface 71 that curves in a roughly semi-circular arc shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A raised surface 72 is formed in the left-right center of the case body surface 71, rising radially outward from the case body surface 71. The raised surface 72 has a width from left to right and extends upward (towards the front). The raised surface 72 has a surrounding wall surface 72a that rises from the case body surface 71. The raised surface 72 has a stepped shape relative to the case body surface 71 due to the surrounding wall surface 72a.

[0027] A roughly octagonal opening (third opening) 72b is formed at the lower (rear) part of the raised surface 72, passing radially through the raised surface 72. Depending on the position of the opening 72b, a directional switch 80 for inputting direction is supported in the switch case 60. The directional switch 80 is an example of a third switch. The directional switch 80 has a switch body (not shown) supported within the switch case 60, and a plate-shaped cross key (directional key) 81 supported by the switch body, which serves as an operating part for switching the switch input of the switch body.

[0028] The cross key 81 is positioned in the opening 72b. The cross key 81 has a key seat plate 81a that is approximately a regular octagon in LiDAR view (see Figure 5). The key seat plate 81a is recessed toward the handle 21 side compared to the outer surface of the raised surface 72 (see Figure 3). The key seat plate 81a has upper key portion 81b, lower key portion 81c, left key portion 81d, and right key portion 81e formed on it, corresponding to up, down, left, and right. The key portions 81b to 81e protrude radially outward from the key seat plate 81a. The key portions 81b to 81e are inclined such that the amount of protrusion toward the key seat plate 81a increases as they move in the direction of each key portion 81b to 81e. For example, the upper key portion 81b is inclined such that the amount of protrusion toward the key seat plate 81a increases as it moves upward. This makes it easier to press the keys 81b to 81e by moving your finger in the direction indicated by the keys 81b to 81e on the directional pad 81.

[0029] The upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c protrude radially outward from the key seat plate 81a more than the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e (see Figure 3). The upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c protrude radially outward from the raised surface 72 (see Figure 4). A central portion 81f extending in the vertical direction is formed between the upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c.

[0030] The central portion 81f protrudes radially outward from the key seat plate 81a more than the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e (see Figure 3). The central portion 81f protrudes radially outward from the key seat plate 81a less than the upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c (see Figure 4). The central portion 81f protrudes radially outward from the raised surface 72 (see Figure 4).

[0031] Due to the central part 81f, the upper key section 81b and the lower key section 81c of the directional pad 81 are connected. On the other hand, the central part 81f also separates the left key section 81d and the right key section 81e of the directional pad 81. Therefore, by touching the central part 81f which extends in the vertical direction, the relative positions of the directional keys 81b and 81e can be easily recognized by touch.

[0032] The key base plate 81a, the key sections 81b to 81e, and the central section 81f are integrally formed. The key base plate 81a, the key sections 81b to 81e, and the central section 81f constitute an integrated directional pad 81. In the directional pad 81, when the key sections 81b to 81e are pressed, the entire directional pad 81 tilts toward the key sections 81b to 81e, thereby triggering a switch input to the switch body.

[0033] The directional switch 80 of this embodiment has a light source housed in the switch case 60. This light source illuminates the central part 81f. Specifically, the cross key 81 is manufactured from a transparent resin, which is an example of a transparent material. Paint is applied to parts other than the central part 81f, and the parts other than the central part 81f are configured to be light-shielding. As a result, when the light source of the directional switch 80 is lit, the light from the light source is directed towards the occupant through the transparent central part 81f of the cross key 81. On the other hand, the light from the light source is shielded from the parts other than the central part 81f. This makes it appear as if the central part 81f of the cross key 81 is lit. In this embodiment, light from the light source also leaks from the gap 82 (see Figure 5) between the inner edge of the upper opening 71a and the outer edge of the cross key 81. Therefore, the contour shape of the cross key 81 can be easily highlighted by the light from the light source.

[0034] A convex surface (protrusion) 73 is formed on the imaginary line L1 connecting the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e. The convex surface 73 is formed to the left of the raised surface 72. The convex surface 73 protrudes radially outward from the case body surface 71. The convex surface 73 extends along the imaginary line L1 which extends in the left-right direction. Therefore, the convex surface 73 extends in the left-right direction, which is the operating direction of the cross key 81. In addition, the convex surface 73 extends in the direction of extension of the left handle portion 21c.

[0035] The convex surface 73 does not protrude radially outward from the raised surface 72, but is connected to the radially midway point of the surrounding wall surface 72a of the raised surface 72 (see Figure 3). The convex surface 73 has a continuous shape with the surrounding wall surface 72a. As the convex surface 73 moves to the left, it curves towards the left handle portion 21c and connects to the outer side wall 63 of the switch case 60. Therefore, when moving a finger from the left side to the right side of the outer side wall 63, it is easier to move the finger along the protruding shape of the convex surface 73 which is continuously connected to the outer side wall 63.

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. An upper opening (first opening) 71a is formed above the convex surface 73, passing radially through the case body surface 71. The upper opening 71a is formed to the left of the raised surface 72. Corresponding to the upper opening 71a, a mode switch 90 for selecting the driving mode of the saddle-type vehicle 10 is supported in the switch case 60. The mode switch 90 is an example of a first switch.

[0037] The mode switch 90 has a switch body 91 having an input element. The switch body 91 is supported within the switch case 60. The switch body 91 has a hinge shaft (the hinge mechanism of the first switch) 92. The hinge shaft 92 extends in the left-right direction. The hinge shaft 92 swings a roughly plate-shaped switch operating part 93 to the switch body 91. By the swinging of the switch operating part 93 relative to the switch body 91 around the hinge shaft 92, the input element of the switch body 91 is pressed or released, thereby switching the switch input of the mode switch 90. The switch operating part 93 is exposed to the outside of the switch case 60 through the upper opening 71a.

[0038] The switch operating portion 93 is plate-shaped and extends vertically. The lower end of the switch operating portion 93 is connected to the hinge shaft 92. Therefore, the lower end of the switch operating portion 93 cannot be pushed in by the hinge shaft 92, while the upper end is pushed in. A projection 93a is formed at the upper end of the switch operating portion 93, projecting radially outward. When a finger is moved upward (forward) on the switch operating portion 93, the finger catches on the projection 93a, making it easier to push the switch operating portion 93 towards the switch body 91. The mode switch 90 of this embodiment has a waterproof structure.

[0039] The hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 is positioned radially inward of the convex surface 73. The hinge shaft 92 overlaps with the convex surface 73 in the rider view (view in the direction of operation of the first switch). The rider view is the line of sight from the driver (operator), who is the occupant sitting in the seat 17 and operating the steering wheel 21, and is the line of sight from which the driver sitting in the seat 17 looks at the left steering wheel switch 52. In other words, in Figure 4, the normal to the convex surface 73 is directed toward the driver sitting in the seat 17, and it can be said that the hinge shaft 92 overlaps with the convex surface 73 in the direction N of the normal to the convex surface 73.

[0040] Below the convex surface 73, a lower opening (second opening) 71b is formed that penetrates the case body surface 71 radially. The lower opening 71b is formed to the lower left of the raised surface 72. Corresponding to the lower opening 71b, a horn switch 100 for operating the horn is supported in the switch case 60. The horn switch 100 is an example of a second switch.

[0041] The horn switch 100 is located below the mode switch 90 (see Figure 6). The horn switch 100 has a switch body 101 with an input element. The switch body 101 is supported within the switch case 60. The switch body 101 has a hinge shaft (hinge mechanism of the second switch) 102. The hinge shaft 102 extends in the left-right direction. The hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100 is closer to the center O21 of the steering wheel 21 than the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90. In other words, in a side view of the vehicle (see Figure 4), the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 is located further outward from the center O21 of the steering wheel 21, i.e., radially outward, than the hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100. The hinge shaft 102 swingably connects a roughly plate-shaped operating button 103 to the switch body 101. The operation button 103 pivots relative to the switch body 101 around the hinge axis 102, thereby pressing or releasing the input element of the switch body 101, and switching the switch input of the horn switch 100. The operation button 103 is exposed to the outside of the switch case 60 through the lower opening 71b.

[0042] The operating button 103 of the horn switch 100 has a polygonal shape in lidar view (see Figure 5). The operating button 103 has a base edge portion 103a that is on the hinge axis 102 side and extends in the left-right direction, an outer side edge portion 103b that extends downward from the left end (outer end in the left-right direction) of the base edge portion 103a, an inner inclined edge portion 103c that extends downward to the right from the right end (inner end in the left-right direction) of the base edge portion 103a, an inner side edge portion 103d that extends downward from the right end of the inner inclined edge portion 103c, and an end edge portion 103e that connects the lower end of the outer side edge portion 103b and the lower end of the inner side edge portion 103d. In other words, the outer side edge 103b extends downward from the base edge 103a, while the inner inclined edge 103c extends inclined downward to the right, resulting in the left-right width of the end edge 103e being larger than the left-right width of the base edge 103a.

[0043] Therefore, when pressing the operation button 103 with a finger, the driver's finger is less likely to touch the base edge 103a side, which cannot be pressed by the hinge shaft 102, and is more likely to press the wider end edge 103e side, which is easier to touch with a finger. Thus, the operability of the horn switch 100 is improved. The inner inclined edge 103c extends along the surrounding wall surface 72a of the raised surface 72 in the viewfinder.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operating button 103 of the horn switch 100 is exposed through the lower opening 71b. The lower opening 71b is shaped to open towards the rear, and a convex surface 73 is formed on its upper side (see Figure 4). Therefore, it is difficult for water such as rainwater to enter the switch case 60 from the lower opening 71b. Furthermore, even if water were to enter the switch case 60 from above through the upper opening 71a, the water from above would be easily blocked by the mode switch 90 located above, and it would be difficult for the water to pass over the mode switch 90 and reach the horn switch 100 below. Therefore, the additional waterproofing structure for the lower horn switch 100 can be simplified, making it easier to make the overall structure of the left handle switch 52 more compact.

[0045] Below the horn switch 100, an extended surface 74 is formed on the outer peripheral wall 62, extending downward from the case body surface 71. The extended surface 74 is a flat surface shape that extends so as to bend downward relative to the curved case body surface 71 (see Figure 4). A turn signal switch 110 is positioned on the extended surface 74. The turn signal switch 110 is an example of a fourth switch. The turn signal switch 110 has a switch body (not shown) supported within the switch case 60, a turn signal lever 112 supported on the switch body so as to be movable from side to side, and an operating member 113 supported at the tip of the turn signal lever 112. In the turn signal switch 110 of this embodiment, the left turn signal flashes when the turn signal lever 122 is swung to the left, and the right turn signal flashes when it is swung to the right. Additionally, pushing the turn signal lever 122 forward will turn off either the left or right turn signal that is currently flashing.

[0046] A torque switch 120 is provided on the front case 65 side of the left handle switch 52. The torque switch 120 is an example of a fifth switch. The torque switch 120 has a switch body (not shown) supported within the switch case 60 and an operating lever 123 that is pivotably supported on the switch body. The operating lever 123 is pivotably connected to the switch body around a hinge axis that extends in the vertical direction. The operating lever 123 can be operated with the index finger of the left hand placed on the left grip 51.

[0047] The switch bodies 91-101 of switches 80-120 are electrically connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via wiring cable 131. The ECU switches the display on the meter display device 31 and controls the turn signals and horn based on the input signals from switches 80-120.

[0048] In this saddle-type vehicle (vehicle) 10, the driver, seated on the seat 17, operates the various switches 80 to 120 on the left handlebar switch 52. In the left handlebar switch 52 of this embodiment, the mode switch 90 and the horn switch 100 are separated vertically by a convex surface 73 that protrudes toward the driver in the switch case 60. Furthermore, by tracing the convex surface 73 along its longitudinal direction with a finger from the left grip 51, it is easy to reach the direction switch 80 via the stepped shape created by the surrounding wall surface 72a and the raised surface 72. Therefore, with the left handlebar switch 52, it is easy to recognize the positions of the various switches 80 to 100 by touch, and it is easy to move a finger to the positions of switches 80 to 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the presence of the convex surface 73 tends to create dead space on the radially inner side of the convex surface 73. In contrast, in this embodiment, the hinge shaft 92 of the switch operating part 93 of the mode switch 90 is positioned on the radially inner side of the convex surface 73. Therefore, the radially inner side of the convex surface 73 is used as the space for the hinge shaft 92, making it easier to make the switch case 60 more compact compared to when the radially inner side of the convex surface 73 is not used as the space for the hinge shaft 92. In addition, by overlapping the non-pressable portion with the convex surface 73, the pressable and movable operable area of ​​the mode switch 90 (i.e., the area of ​​the switch operating part 93 in the lidar view) can be secured.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a left handle switch 52 comprising a switch case 60 provided on the handle 21 of a saddle-type vehicle 10 and a mode switch 90 supported by the switch case 60, wherein the switch case 60 is provided with a convex surface 73, the mode switch 90 is a switch equipped with a hinge shaft 92, and the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 coincides with the convex surface 73 in the rider's view. With this configuration, the portion of the hinge shaft 92 that is difficult to press when pressing the mode switch 90 is aligned with the convex surface 73 in the rider's view. Compared to the case where it is not aligned with the convex surface 73, the switch operation portion 93 of the mode switch 90 can be positioned while ensuring the operable area of ​​the mode switch 90. Therefore, the left handle switch 52 can be made more compact while ensuring the operability of the mode switch 90. Furthermore, even if the shape of the mode switch 90 in this embodiment is the same as the shape of the mode switch 90 when it is not aligned with the convex surface 73, in this embodiment, the entire portion of the mode switch 90 visible in the rider's view can be pressed, compared to the case where it is not aligned with the convex surface 73, thus improving the operability of the mode switch 90.

[0051] In this embodiment, the switch case 60 further comprises a horn switch 100, and the protruding surface 73 is located between the mode switch 90 and the horn switch 100. With this configuration, the convex surface 73 is positioned between the mode switch 90 and the horn switch 100, thereby separating these two switches 90 and 100 and improving their operability.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the horn switch 100 is equipped with a hinge shaft 102, and in a side view of the vehicle, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 is located radially outward from the steering wheel 21 than the hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100. With this configuration, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90, which overlaps with the convex surface 73, is located radially outward from the switch case 60 than the hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100. This makes it easier to shift the positions of the hinge shafts 92 and 102 within the switch case 60 and position them on the occupant side, allowing the left handle switch 52 to be made more compact.

[0053] In this embodiment, the switch case 60 further comprises a directional switch 80, and the convex surface 73 is continuous with the surrounding wall surface 72a provided around at least a portion of the directional switch 80. With this configuration, the surrounding wall surface 72a and the convex surface 73 on the raised surface 72 around the direction switch 80 are continuous, allowing the convex surface 73 to act as a guide for the direction switch 80, thereby further improving the operability of the switch on the left handle switch 52.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating direction of the directional switch 80 includes up, down, left, and right, and the operating direction of the directional switch 80 also includes the left-right direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 in a front view of the switch case 60. With this configuration, by making a portion of the operating direction of the directional switch 80 the same as the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73, the movement of the operator's finger following the convex surface 73 can be partially matched with the operating direction of the directional switch 80, thereby further improving the operability of the switch on the left handle switch 52.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 in the lidar view is the same as the axial direction of the handle 21. With this configuration, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 with the axial direction of the handle 21, the convex surface 73 can be positioned in a location where the operator's fingers can easily move, thereby improving the operability of the switch on the left handle switch 52.

[0056] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will now be described. In this second embodiment, parts configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0057] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the left handle switch 252 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the rear and above. Figure 8 is a left side view of the left handle switch 252 according to the second embodiment. Figures 7 and 8 correspond to Figures 5 and 4 of the first embodiment, respectively. The left handle switch (handle switch) 252 according to the second embodiment has a horn switch 200 in place of the horn switch 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] The horn switch 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in the lidar view, the hinge shaft 202 is configured to overlap with the convex surface 73. In particular, in the horn switch 200 according to the second embodiment, in the lidar view, the hinge shaft 202 is configured to overlap with the hinge shaft 92. The hinge shaft 202 of the horn switch 200 is closer to the center O21 of the handle 21 than the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90. Therefore, in the left handle switch 252, the convex surface 73, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90, and the hinge shaft 202 of the horn switch 200 are arranged in that order from the radially outer side, and in the lidar view, the convex surface 73, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90, and the hinge shaft 202 of the horn switch 200 overlap.

[0059] Note that the operation button 103 of the horn switch 200 extends within the switch case 60 depending on the position of the hinge shaft 202, and the shape inside the switch case 60 is different from that of the operation button 103 in the first embodiment. However, in the horn switch 200, the external shape of the operation button 103 exposed from the lower opening 71b is configured to be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0060] As described above, in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 overlaps with the convex surface 73 in the rider's view, and, similar to the first embodiment, the left handle switch 252 can be made more compact while ensuring the operability of the mode switch 90.

[0061] In particular, in this embodiment, in the view from the lidar, the convex surface 73, the hinge axis 92 of the mode switch 90, and the hinge axis 202 of the horn switch 200 overlap in that order from the radially outer side. With this configuration, the two hinge shafts 92 and 202 can be alternately arranged radially while overlapping the convex surface 73 from the rider's perspective. Therefore, the left handle switch 252 can be made compact, and the hinge shafts 92 and 202 can be protected by the convex surface 73 without any additional parts.

[0062] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the hinge mechanisms of switches 90, 100, and 200 were described as having the configuration of hinge shafts 92, 102, and 202. However, the hinge mechanisms of these switches 90 to 200 are not limited to the configuration of hinge shafts 92 to 202. For example, using the mode switch 90 as an example, the hinge mechanism may consist of a hole provided in the switch body 91 that penetrates in the left-right direction, and a shaft provided on the switch operating part 93 which is rotatably connected to the hole. The configuration should allow the switch operating part 93 to rotate around the hole. In other words, the hinge mechanisms of switches 90 to 200 should be rotatable about a predetermined direction as the pivot point.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the left handlebar switch 52 is described as being equipped with a direction switch 80, a mode switch 90, a horn switch 100, a turn signal switch 110, and a torque switch 120. However, the number of switches and the functions of the switches are arbitrary. Therefore, for example, a configuration in which the functions of other switches are assigned to the switch configuration described as the mode switch 90 is also acceptable.

[0065] In the above embodiment, a saddle-type vehicle 10 having front wheels 13 and rear wheels 15 was described as an example of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can also be applied to saddle-type vehicles with three or more wheels, such as those with two front or rear wheels, or to vehicles other than saddle-type vehicles.

[0066] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0067] (Configuration 1) A handle switch comprising a switch case provided on the steering wheel of a vehicle and a first switch supported by the switch case, wherein the switch case is provided with a protrusion, the first switch is a switch equipped with a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism of the first switch overlaps with the protrusion when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch. With this configuration, the hinge mechanism portion that is difficult to press when pressing the first switch is aligned with the protrusion when viewed from the operating direction of the first switch. Compared to when it is not aligned with the protrusion, the first switch can be positioned while ensuring the operational area of ​​the first switch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a handle switch that is easy to make compact while ensuring the operability of the switch. In addition, even if the shape of the first switch is the same, the entire portion of the first switch visible to the rider becomes pressable compared to when it is not aligned with the protrusion, thus improving the operability of the first switch.

[0068] (Configuration 2) The handle switch according to Configuration 1, wherein the switch case further comprises a second switch, and the protrusion is located between the first switch and the second switch. With this configuration, the protrusion is positioned between the first and second switches, thereby separating these two switches and improving their operability.

[0069] (Configuration 3) The handle switch according to Configuration 2, wherein the second switch is equipped with a hinge mechanism, and in a side view of the vehicle, the hinge mechanism of the first switch is located further outward than the hinge mechanism of the second switch with respect to the center of the handle. With this configuration, the hinge mechanism of the first switch, which overlaps with the protrusion, is located outside the switch case compared to the hinge mechanism of the second switch. This makes it easier to shift the position of the hinge mechanism within the switch case and position it on the occupant side, allowing the handle switch to be made more compact.

[0070] (Configuration 4) The handle switch according to Configuration 3, characterized in that, when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch, the protrusion, the hinge mechanism of the first switch, and the hinge mechanism of the second switch overlap in that order from the outside with respect to the center of the handle. With this configuration, the two hinge mechanisms can be alternately arranged in a direction relative to the center of the handle, overlapping the protrusions when viewed from the operating direction of the first switch. Therefore, the handle switch can be made compact, and the hinge mechanisms can be protected by the protrusions without any additional parts.

[0071] (Configuration 5) The handle switch according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the switch case further comprises a third switch, and the protrusion is continuous with a wall provided in at least a part of the area surrounding the third switch. With this configuration, the continuity between the wall and the protrusion surrounding the third switch allows the protrusion to act as a guide for the third switch, further improving the operability of the switch in the handle switch.

[0072] (Configuration 6) The handle switch according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the operating direction of the third switch includes the longitudinal direction of the protrusion in a front view of the switch case. With this configuration, by making the operating direction of the third switch the same as the longitudinal direction of the protrusion, the movement of the operator's finger following the protrusion can be matched with the operating direction of the third switch, further improving the operability of the switch on the handle switch.

[0073] (Configuration 7) The handle switch according to Configuration 6, characterized in that the longitudinal direction of the protrusion in the view of the operating direction of the first switch is the same as the axial direction of the handle. With this configuration, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the protrusion with the axial direction of the handle, the protrusion can be positioned in a location that is easy for the operator's fingers to move, thereby improving the operability of the switch on the handle switch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10 vehicles 21 Handle 52. Left handlebar switch (handlebar switch) 60 Switch Case 72a Surrounding wall surface (wall section) 73. Convex surface (convex part) 80-way switch (third switch) 90 Mode switch (first switch) 92. Hinge axis (hinge mechanism) 100 Horn switch (second switch) 102 Hinge axis (hinge mechanism) 200 Horn switch (second switch) 202 Hinge axis (hinge mechanism) 252 Left handlebar switch (handlebar switch) O21 Steering wheel center

Claims

1. A handle switch comprising a switch case (60) provided on the handle (21) of a vehicle (10), and a first switch (90) supported by the switch case (60), The switch case (60) further comprises a second switch (100, 200) located below the first switch (90), and a third switch (80) located on a raised portion (72) that protrudes radially outward from the center of the switch case (60) in the left-right direction. The switch case (60) is provided with a protrusion (73), The protrusion (73) is located between the first switch (90) and the second switches (100, 200). The longitudinal direction of the protrusion (73) is continuous from the grip (51) side provided on the handle (21) to the raised portion (72) around the third switch (80), and the third switch (80) is provided on the extension of the longitudinal direction of the protrusion (73). The first switch (90) is a switch equipped with a hinge mechanism (92), The hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90) overlaps with the protrusion (73) when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch (90). A handle switch characterized by the following features.

2. The second switches (100, 200) are equipped with a hinge mechanism (102, 202), In a side view of the vehicle, the hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90) is located further outward from the center (O21) of the handle (21) than the hinge mechanism (102, 202) of the second switch (100, 200). The handle switch according to feature 1.

3. In the view of the first switch (90) in the direction of operation, the protrusion (73), the hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90), and the hinge mechanism (202) of the second switch (200) overlap in the following order from the outside with respect to the center (O21) of the handle (21). The handle switch according to feature 2.

4. The operating direction of the third switch (80) includes the longitudinal direction of the protrusion (73) in a front view of the switch case (60). A handle switch according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. The longitudinal direction of the protrusion (73) in the operating direction view of the first switch (90) is the same as the axial direction of the handle (21). The handle switch according to feature 4.

Images