Handlebar 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

Handlebar switch

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

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-179753

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

[0005] This specification includes the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-013386, filed on January 31, 2023. The handlebar switch includes a switch case provided on a vehicle handlebar and a first switch supported by the switch case, wherein the switch case is provided with a convex portion, the first switch is a switch with a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism of the first switch overlaps with the convex portion when viewed in the operation direction of the first switch.

[0006] To provide a handle switch that can be easily made compact while ensuring the operability of the switch.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the periphery of the handle of the saddle-ride type vehicle. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a left side view of a left handlebar switch according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the left handlebar switch according to the first embodiment, seen from above and rear. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the left handlebar switch according to a second embodiment, seen from above and rear. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the left handlebar switch according to the second embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a rider. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride on the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of 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 forks 14 are supported by a head pipe 18 so as to be steerable to the left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front forks 14. A steering handle 21 that is gripped by the rider and used for steering is attached to the upper end of the front forks 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down around the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a that is provided 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 body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder section 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder section 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] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also 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, steps 28 on which a rider 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 steps 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the body frame 11.

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

[0016] 2 is a rear view of the area around the handlebars 21 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The top bridge 14a of the front forks 14 is located behind the meter display device 31. A pair of left and right handlebar posts 33 is provided on the top bridge 14a. A main switch into which a key 34 can be inserted is provided between the pair of left and right handlebar posts 33.

[0017] The handlebars 21 are supported on the handlebar post 33. The handlebars 21 in this embodiment are cylindrical bar handles extending 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 straight to the right from the central handlebar portion 21a, and a left handlebar portion 21c extending straight 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 portion 21b. The right grip 41 is attached to the right handle portion 21b via a throttle pipe (not shown). The left end (inner end in the left-right direction) 41a of the right grip 41 has an expanded diameter. A right handle switch 42 that rotatably supports the throttle pipe is disposed on the left side (inner side in the left-right direction) of the right grip 41. The right handle switch 42 is disposed adjacent to the left end 41a of the right grip 41. The right handle switch 42 is fixed to the right handle portion 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 disposed to the left of the right handle switch 42. The right lever holder 43 is disposed adjacent to the left end of the right handle switch 42. The right lever holder 43 is fixed to the right handle portion 21b. The right lever holder 43 supports a master cylinder 45, a brake lever 46, and a 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 handle portion 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 portion 21c. The left grip 51 has an expanded diameter at its right end (inner end in the left-right direction) 51a. A left handle switch 52 is disposed on the right side (inner side in the left-right direction) of the left grip 51. The left handle switch 52 is disposed adjacent to the right end 51a of the left grip 51. The left handle switch 52 is fixed to the left handle portion 21c. In this embodiment, the left handle switch 52 is provided with a turn signal switch 110, a horn switch 100, a direction switch 80, etc. A left lever holder 53 is disposed on the right side of the left handle switch 52. The left lever holder 53 is disposed adjacent to the right end of the left handle switch 52. The left lever holder 53 is fixed to the left handle portion 21c. A clutch lever 56 and a 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 handle portion 21 c via the left lever holder 53 .

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

[0021] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 shows the periphery of the left handle switch 52. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the left handle switch 52 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 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 the switches 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120. The switch case 60 is made of, for example, resin. As shown in FIG. 4 , the switch case 60 of this embodiment has a structure split into front and rear halves, including a rear case 61 recessed toward the rear side (toward the seat 17) and a front case 65 recessed toward the front side (away from the seat 17). The rear case 61 and the front case 65 are fastened together while sandwiching the left handle portion 21c from the front-rear direction, thereby fixing the switch case 60 to the left handle portion 21c. That is, the left handle switch 52 is fixed to the left handle portion 21 c of the handle 21 .

[0022] More specifically, the rear case 61 has an outer peripheral wall 62 that curves in a substantially semicircular arc shape along the circumferential direction of the left handle portion 21c, an outer side wall 63 formed at the outer left-right end of the outer peripheral wall 62, and an inner side wall 64 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) formed at the inner left-right end of the outer peripheral wall 62. The outer side wall 63 and the inner side wall 64 have handle accommodating portions 63a, 64a cut out in a substantially semicircular arc shape at the rear.

[0023] Similarly, the front case 65 has an outer peripheral wall 66 that curves in a generally semicircular arc along the circumferential direction of the left handle portion 21c, an outer side wall 67 formed at the outer left-right end of the outer peripheral wall 66, and an inner side wall 68 formed at the inner left-right end of the outer peripheral wall 66. The outer side wall 67 and the inner side wall 68 have handle accommodating portions 67a, 68a that are cut out in a generally arc-shaped manner toward the front.

[0024] With the left handle portion 21c accommodated in the handle accommodating portions 63a, 64a of the rear case 61 and the handle accommodating portions 67a, 68a of the front case 65, the rear case 61 and the front case 65 are fastened together with 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 secures the switch case 60 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 is fitted, 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 fixation of the handle 21 and the left handle switch 52 is not limited to the above example.

[0025] In the following description, the radial direction will be used to mean 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 will be referred to as the center O21 of the handle 21. Furthermore, the radially inner side will be used to mean the side toward the center O21 of the handle 21 in the cross section of the handle 21. Furthermore, the radially outer side will be used to mean the side away from the center O21 of the handle 21 in the cross section of the handle 21.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the left handlebar switch 52 according to the first embodiment, as seen from above and behind. FIG. 5 illustrates the left handlebar switch 52 as seen from the rider's perspective. A case main body surface 71 that is curved in a generally semicircular arc shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle is formed on the outer peripheral wall 62 of the rear case 61. A raised surface 72 that is raised radially outward from the case main body surface 71 is formed in the left-right central portion of the case main body surface 71. The raised surface 72 has a left-right width and extends upward (toward the front). The raised surface 72 has a peripheral wall surface 72a that rises from the case main body surface 71. The raised surface 72 forms a stepped shape with respect to the case main body surface 71 due to the peripheral wall surface 72a.

[0027] A generally octagonal opening (third opening) 72b that penetrates the raised surface 72 in the radial direction is formed in the lower part (rear part) of the raised surface 72. A directional switch 80 for inputting a direction or the like is supported in the switch case 60 according to the position of the opening 72b. The directional switch 80 is an example of a third switch. The directional switch 80 has a switch main body (not shown) supported within the switch case 60, and a plate-shaped cross key (direction key) 81 that is supported by the switch main body and serves as an operating unit for switching the switch input of the switch main body.

[0028] The cross key 81 is disposed in the opening 72b. The cross key 81 has a key seat plate 81a that is substantially octagonal as viewed from the rider (see FIG. 5). The key seat plate 81a is recessed toward the handlebar 21 relative to the outer surface of the raised surface 72 (see FIG. 3). An upper key portion 81b, a lower key portion 81c, a left key portion 81d, and a right key portion 81e are formed on the key seat plate 81a, corresponding to the top, bottom, 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 so that the amount of protrusion from the key seat plate 81a increases as the key portions 81b to 81e move in the direction of the respective key portions 81b to 81e. For example, the upper key portion 81b is inclined so that the amount of protrusion from the key seat plate 81a increases as the key portions 81b to 81e move upward. This makes it easier to press the key portions 81b to 81e by moving a finger on the cross key 81 in the direction indicated by the key portions 81b to 81e.

[0029] The upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c protrude radially outward from the key seat plate 81a to a greater extent than the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e (see FIG. 3). The upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c protrude radially outward beyond the raised surface 72 (see FIG. 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 to a greater extent than the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e (see FIG. 3). The central portion 81f protrudes radially outward from the key seat plate 81a to a lesser extent than the upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c (see FIG. 4). The central portion 81f protrudes radially outward beyond the raised surface 72 (see FIG. 4).

[0031] The central portion 81f connects the upper key portion 81b and the lower key portion 81c of the cross key 81. On the other hand, the central portion 81f separates the left key portion 81d and the right key portion 81e of the cross key 81. Therefore, by touching the central portion 81f that extends in the vertical direction with a finger, the positional relationship of the key portions 81b to 81e that indicate the directions can be easily recognized by the feel of the finger.

[0032] The key seat plate 81a, key portions 81b to 81e, and central portion 81f are integrally formed. The key seat plate 81a, key portions 81b to 81e, and central portion 81f constitute an integrated cross key 81. When a key portion 81b to 81e of the cross key 81 is pressed, the entire cross key 81 tilts toward that key portion 81b to 81e, thereby performing a switch input on 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 portion 81f. Specifically, the cross key 81 is manufactured from a transparent resin, which is an example of a transparent material. The area other than the central portion 81f is coated with paint, allowing the area other than the central portion 81f to be light-blocking. As a result, when the light source of the directional switch 80 is illuminated, the light from the light source is directed toward the occupant through the transparent central portion 81f of the cross key 81. Meanwhile, the light from the light source is blocked in areas other than the central portion 81f. As a result, the central portion 81f of the cross key 81 appears to be illuminated. Note that in this embodiment, light from the light source also leaks from a gap 82 (see FIG. 5 ) between the inner periphery of the upper opening 71a and the outer periphery of the cross key 81. This makes it easier to highlight the outline of the cross key 81 with the light from the light source.

[0034] A convex surface (convex portion) 73 is formed on an 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 main body surface 71. The convex surface 73 extends along the imaginary line L1 extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the convex surface 73 extends in the left-right direction, which is the operation direction of the cross key 81. The convex surface 73 also extends in the extension direction of the left handle portion 21c.

[0035] The convex surface 73 does not protrude radially outward beyond the raised surface 72, but is connected to a radially intermediate portion of the peripheral wall surface 72a of the raised surface 72 (see FIG. 3 ). The convex surface 73 has a shape that is continuous with the peripheral wall surface 72a. As the convex surface 73 extends leftward, it bends toward 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, the finger can be easily moved along the protruding shape of the convex surface 73 that is continuously connected to the outer side wall 63.

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 4. An upper opening (first opening) 71a that penetrates the case main body surface 71 in the radial direction is formed above the convex surface 73. The upper opening 71a is formed to the left of the raised surface 72. Corresponding to the upper opening 71a, the switch case 60 supports a mode switch 90 that selects the driving mode of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The mode switch 90 is an example of a first switch.

[0037] The mode switch 90 has a switch body 91 with an input element. The switch body 91 is supported within the switch case 60. The switch body 91 has a hinge shaft (first switch hinge mechanism) 92. The hinge shaft 92 extends in the left-right direction. A substantially plate-shaped switch operating portion 93 is swingably connected to the switch body 91 by the hinge shaft 92. When the switch operating portion 93 swings 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 portion 93 is exposed to the outside of the switch case 60 through the upper opening 71a.

[0038] The switch operation portion 93 is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the switch operation portion 93 is connected to the hinge shaft 92. Therefore, the lower end of the switch operation portion 93 cannot be pushed in by the hinge shaft 92, and the upper end can be pushed in. A protrusion 93a that protrudes radially outward is formed at the upper end of the switch operation portion 93. When a finger is moved upward (forward) on the switch operation portion 93, the finger catches on the protrusion 93a, making it easier to push the switch operation portion 93 toward 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 disposed radially inward of the convex surface 73. The hinge shaft 92 is disposed so as to overlap the convex surface 73 from a rider's perspective (as viewed from the direction of operation of the first switch). The rider's perspective is the line of sight of the driver (operator), who is a passenger sitting in the seat 17 and operating the handlebars 21, and is the line of sight from the driver sitting in the seat 17 to the left handlebar switch 52. In other words, in FIG. 4 , the normal to the convex surface 73 faces 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 normal direction N of the convex surface 73.

[0040] A lower opening (second opening) 71b that penetrates the case body surface 71 in the radial direction is formed below the convex surface 73. The lower opening 71b is formed on the lower left side of the raised surface 72. A horn switch 100 that activates the horn is supported in the switch case 60, corresponding to the lower opening 71b. The horn switch 100 is an example of a second switch.

[0041] The horn switch 100 is disposed below the mode switch 90 (see FIG. 6 ). The horn switch 100 includes a switch body 101 having an input element. The switch body 101 is supported within the switch case 60. The switch body 101 includes a hinge shaft 102 (a hinge mechanism of the second switch). 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 FIG. 4 ), the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 is located further outward, i.e., radially outward, from the center O21 of the steering wheel 21, than the hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100. A substantially plate-shaped operation button 103 is pivotally connected to the switch body 101 by the hinge shaft 102. As the operation button 103 swings relative to the switch body 101 around the hinge shaft 102, the input element of the switch body 101 is pressed or released, thereby 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 operation button 103 of the horn switch 100 has a polygonal shape as seen by the rider (see FIG. 5 ). The operation button 103 has a base edge 103a that is on the hinge shaft 102 side and extends in the left-right direction, an outer edge 103b that extends downward from the left end (outer end in the left-right direction) of the base edge 103a, an inner inclined edge 103c that extends downward and to the right from the right end (inner end in the left-right direction) of the base edge 103a, an inner edge 103d that extends downward from the right end of the inner inclined edge 103c, and an edge 103e that connects the lower end of the outer edge 103b and the lower end of the inner edge 103d. That is, the outer side edge 103b extends downward from the base edge 103a, while the inner inclined edge 103c extends at an angle downward to the right, so that the left-right width of the end edge 103e is greater 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 for the finger to touch, thereby improving the operability of the horn switch 100. The inner inclined edge 103c extends along the peripheral wall surface 72a of the raised surface 72 from the rider's perspective.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operation button 103 of the horn switch 100 is exposed through the lower opening 71b. The lower opening 71b is shaped to open rearward, and has a convex surface 73 formed on the upper side (see FIG. 4). Therefore, rainwater and other water are unlikely to enter the switch case 60 through the lower opening 71b. Even if water does enter the switch case 60 from above through the upper opening 71a, the water from above is likely to be blocked by the mode switch 90 above, and is unlikely to pass over the mode switch 90 and reach the horn switch 100 below. Therefore, the lower horn switch 100 simplifies the additional waterproofing structure, making it easier to make the overall structure of the left handlebar switch 52 more compact.

[0045] Below the horn switch 100, the outer peripheral wall 62 is formed with an extension surface 74 that extends downward from the case body surface 71. The extension surface 74 has a flat surface shape that extends so as to bend downward relative to the curved case body surface 71 (see FIG. 4 ). A turn signal switch 110 is disposed on the extension surface 74. The turn signal switch 110 is an example of a fourth switch. The turn signal switch 110 includes 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 left and right, and an operating member 113 supported on the tip of the turn signal lever 112. In the turn signal switch 110 of this embodiment, swinging the turn signal lever 122 to the left causes the left turn signal to flash, and swinging it to the right causes the right turn signal to flash. In addition, by pushing the turn signal lever 122 forward on the vehicle body, the blinking turn signal on either the left or right side is turned off.

[0046] A torque switch 120 is provided on the front case 65 side of the left handlebar 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 supported to be swingable on the switch body. The operating lever 123 is connected to the switch body to be swingable around a hinge axis extending 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 to 101 of the switches 80 to 120 are electrically connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via a wiring cable 131. The ECU switches the display of the meter display device 31 and controls the turn signals and horn based on input signals from the switches 80 to 120.

[0048] In the saddle-ride type vehicle (vehicle) 10, the driver sitting in the seat 17 operates various switches 80 to 120 of 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 into upper and lower sections by a convex surface 73 that protrudes toward the driver in the switch case 60, and the direction switch 80 can be easily reached by tracing the convex surface 73 in its longitudinal direction from the left grip 51, passing through the stepped shape of the surrounding wall surface 72a and the raised surface 72. Thus, in the left handlebar switch 52, the positions of the various switches 80 to 100 can be easily recognized by the feel of the fingers, and the fingers can be easily moved to the positions of the switches 80 to 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the provision of the convex surface 73 tends to result in a dead space radially inside the convex surface 73. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the hinge shaft 92 of the switch operation portion 93 of the mode switch 90 is disposed radially inside the convex surface 73. Therefore, the radially inside of the convex surface 73 is used as a space for arranging the hinge shaft 92, which makes it easier to make the switch case 60 compact compared to a case in which the radially inside of the convex surface 73 is not used as a space for arranging the hinge shaft 92. Furthermore, by overlapping the non-depressible portion with the convex surface 73, an operable area in which the mode switch 90 can be depressed and moved (i.e., the area of ​​the switch operation portion 93 as seen by the rider) can be secured.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in the left handlebar switch 52 including the switch case 60 provided on the handlebar 21 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and the mode switch 90 supported by the switch case 60, the switch case 60 is provided with the convex surface 73, the mode switch 90 is a switch including the hinge shaft 92, and the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90 overlaps the convex surface 73 as viewed by the rider. With this configuration, by overlapping the portion of the hinge shaft 92 that is difficult to push when pushing the mode switch 90 with the convex surface 73 as viewed by the rider, it is possible to arrange the switch operating portion 93 of the mode switch 90 while ensuring a larger operable area for the mode switch 90 compared to when the switch operating portion 93 does not overlap with the convex surface 73. Therefore, the left handlebar switch 52 can be made compact while ensuring the operability of the mode switch 90. Furthermore, even if the shape of the mode switch 90 when it is not overlapped with the convex surface 73 is the same as the shape of the mode switch 90 in this embodiment, in this embodiment, the entire part of the mode switch 90 that is visible to the rider can be pressed in, compared to when it is not overlapped with the convex surface 73, thereby improving the operability of the mode switch 90.

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

[0052] In addition, in the present embodiment, the horn switch 100 includes 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 of the handlebar 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 of the switch case 60 than the hinge shaft 102 of the horn switch 100, which makes it easier to shift the positions of the hinge shafts 92, 102 within the switch case 60 and position them closer to the occupant, thereby making it possible to make the left handlebar switch 52 more compact.

[0053] In this embodiment, the switch case 60 further includes a direction switch 80, and the convex surface 73 is continuous with a surrounding wall surface 72a provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the direction switch 80. With this configuration, the surrounding wall surface 72a on the raised surface 72 around the periphery of the direction switch 80 is continuous with the convex surface 73, so that the convex surface 73 can serve as a guide for the direction switch 80, and the operability of the left handlebar switch 52 can be further improved.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation direction of the directional switch 80 includes up, down, left, and right, and also includes the left and right direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 when viewed from the front of the switch case 60. With this configuration, by making part of the operation direction of the directional switch 80 the same as the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73, it is possible to make part of the operation direction of the directional switch 80 coincide with the movement of the operator's finger along the convex surface 73, and further improve the operability of the left handlebar switch 52.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 as seen by the rider is the same as the axial direction of the handlebars 21. With this configuration, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the convex surface 73 with the axial direction of the handlebars 21, the convex surface 73 can be positioned at a position where the operator's fingers can easily move, thereby improving the operability of the left handlebar switch 52.

[0056] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In this second embodiment, parts configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a left handlebar switch 252 according to the second embodiment, as seen from above and rearward. Fig. 8 is a left side view of the left handlebar switch 252 according to the second embodiment. Figs. 7 and 8 correspond to Figs. 5 and 4 of the first embodiment, respectively. The left handlebar switch (handlebar switch) 252 according to the second embodiment has a horn switch 200 instead 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 the hinge shaft 202 is configured to overlap the convex surface 73 as viewed by the rider. In particular, in the horn switch 200 according to the second embodiment, the hinge shaft 202 is arranged to overlap the hinge shaft 92 as viewed by the rider. The hinge shaft 202 of the horn switch 200 is closer to the center O21 of the handlebar 21 than the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90. Therefore, in the left handlebar 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 this order from the outside in the radial direction, and as viewed by the rider, the convex surface 73, the hinge shaft 92 of the mode switch 90, and the hinge shaft 202 of the horn switch 200 all overlap.

[0059] The operation button 103 of the horn switch 200 extends within the switch case 60 in accordance with the position of the hinge shaft 202, and the shape inside the switch case 60 is different from that of the operation button 103 of 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 when viewed from the rider, and similarly to the first embodiment, the left handlebar switch 252 can be made compact while ensuring the operability of the mode switch 90.

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

[0062] Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the hinge mechanisms of the switches 90, 100, and 200 have been described as having hinge shafts 92, 102, and 202, but the hinge mechanisms of these switches 90 to 200 are not limited to the configuration of the hinge shafts 92 to 202. For example, in the case of the mode switch 90, the hinge mechanism may be a hinge mechanism formed by a hole penetrating in the left-right direction in the switch body 91 and a shaft portion provided in the switch operation unit 93 rotatably connected to the hole, as long as the switch operation unit 93 is configured to rotate around the hole. In other words, the hinge mechanisms of the switches 90 to 200 may be mechanisms that are rotatable around a predetermined direction.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the left handlebar switch 52 is described as being provided with the direction switch 80, mode switch 90, horn switch 100, blinker switch 110, and torque switch 120, but the number of switches and the functions of the switches are arbitrary. Therefore, for example, the switch configuration described as the mode switch 90 may be configured to assign the functions of other switches.

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

[0066] [Configurations Supported by the Above-described Embodiments] The above-described embodiments support the following configurations.

[0067] (Configuration 1) A handlebar switch includes a switch case mounted on a vehicle handlebar and a first switch supported by the switch case, the switch case having a protrusion, the first switch having a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism of the first switch overlapping the protrusion when viewed in the operation direction of the first switch. According to this configuration, by overlapping a portion of the hinge mechanism that is difficult to push when pushing the first switch with the protrusion when viewed in the operation direction of the first switch, the first switch can be positioned while ensuring a larger operable area than when the protrusion does not overlap. This makes it possible to provide a handlebar switch that is easy to make compact while ensuring switch operability. Furthermore, even if the shape of the first switch is the same, the entire portion of the first switch visible to the rider can be pushed in compared to when the protrusion does not overlap, thereby improving the operability of the first switch.

[0068] (Configuration 2) The handlebar switch according to Configuration 1, wherein the switch case further includes a second switch, and the protrusion is located between the first switch and the second switch. According to this configuration, the protrusion is located between the first switch and the second switch, thereby separating the two switches and improving the operability of the two switches.

[0069] (Configuration 3) The handlebar switch according to Configuration 2, wherein the second switch includes a hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism of the first switch is located further outward from the center of the handlebar than the hinge mechanism of the second switch in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the hinge mechanism of the first switch that overlaps with the convex portion is located further outward from the switch case than the hinge mechanism of the second switch, which makes it easier to shift the position of the hinge mechanism within the switch case and place it closer to the occupant, thereby making the handlebar switch 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 convex portion, the hinge mechanism of the first switch, and the hinge mechanism of the second switch overlap in this order from the outside relative 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 while overlapping the convex portion when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch. This allows the handle switch to be made compact, and the hinge mechanism can be protected by the convex portion without any additional parts.

[0071] (Configuration 5) The handlebar switch according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the switch case further includes a third switch, and the protrusion is continuous with a wall portion provided around at least a portion of the third switch. With this configuration, the convex portion is continuous with the wall portion around the third switch, allowing the convex portion to serve as a guide portion for the third switch, further improving the operability of the handlebar switch.

[0072] (Configuration 6) The handlebar switch according to Configuration 5, wherein the operation direction of the third switch includes the longitudinal direction of the convex portion in a front view of the switch case. According to this configuration, by making the operation direction of the third switch the same as the longitudinal direction of the convex portion, the movement of the operator's finger along the convex portion can be made to coincide with the operation direction of the third switch, thereby further improving the operability of the handlebar switch.

[0073] (Configuration 7) The handle switch according to Configuration 6, wherein the longitudinal direction of the protrusion when viewed in the operating direction of the first switch is the same as the axial direction of the handle. According to this configuration, by aligning the longitudinal direction of the protrusion with the axial direction of the handle, the protrusion can be positioned at a position where the operator's fingers can easily move, thereby improving the operability of the handle switch.

[0074] 10 Vehicle 21 Steering wheel 52 Left-hand steering wheel switch (steering wheel switch) 60 Switch case 72a Surrounding wall surface (wall portion) 73 Convex surface (convex portion) 80 Direction switch (third switch) 90 Mode switch (first switch) 92 Hinge shaft (hinge mechanism) 100 Horn switch (second switch) 102 Hinge shaft (hinge mechanism) 200 Horn switch (second switch) 202 Hinge shaft (hinge mechanism) 252 Left-hand steering wheel switch (steering wheel switch) O21 Center of steering wheel

Claims

1. A handlebar switch including a switch case (60) provided on a handlebar (21) of a vehicle (10) and a first switch (90) supported by the switch case (60), The switch case (60) further includes a second switch (100, 200) provided below the first switch (90), and a third switch (80) provided on a raised portion (72) that is raised radially outward at 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 switch (100, 200), the longitudinal direction of the convex portion (73) is continuous and extends 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 an extension line of the longitudinal direction of the convex portion (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 operation direction of the first switch (90). A handlebar switch characterized by the above.

2. The second switch (100, 200) comprises a hinge mechanism (102, 202); In a side view of the vehicle, the hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90) is located outside the hinge mechanisms (102, 202) of the second switches (100, 200) with respect to the center (O21) of the handle (21).

2. The handlebar switch according to claim 1.

3. When viewed from the operating direction of the first switch (90), the convex portion (73), the hinge mechanism (92) of the first switch (90), and the hinge mechanism (202) of the second switch (200) overlap in this order from the outside with the center (O21) of the handle (21) as the reference.

3. The handlebar switch according to claim 2.

4. The operation direction of the third switch (80) includes the longitudinal direction of the protrusion (73) when the switch case (60) is viewed from the front.

4. The handlebar switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is a switch for connecting a power source to a power source.

5. The longitudinal direction of the convex portion (73) when viewed from the operating direction of the first switch (90) is the same as the axial direction of the handle (21).

5. The handlebar switch according to claim 4.