Operation device

Abstract

An operation device (30) is attached to a handle (4) of a moving body, the moving body being provided with the handle (4) having a grip (4a). The operation device (30) has: a case part (40) that is mounted on the handle; and a cover part (50) that covers the case part. The cover part (50) has: a frame member (51) that is fixed to the case part; and a plurality of operation buttons that are combined so as to be operable with respect to the frame member. Each of the operation buttons constitutes a part of the outer shell of the cover part. The plurality of operation buttons have a second operation button (81) that is disposed closer to the user side than a first operation button (61). The frame member (51) has a protruding part (54) that protrudes from a part of the end edge on the user side. The second operation button (81) has an operation surface (81a) that is inclined downward from the anti-user side toward the user side, and that is inclined so as to be closer to the handle from the anti-grip side toward the grip side.

Description

operating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device that is attached to the handle of a mobile body having a handle with a grip that is held by a user and receives operating inputs, and in particular, to suppressing an increase in size and improving operability by a user holding the grip.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an operating device attached to a bicycle (mobile object), in which the upper side of a case is covered with a cover, and the cover is formed of a frame member and a plurality of operation buttons operably combined with the frame member. The upper surfaces of the plurality of operation buttons form part of the upper surface of the cover.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-187419

[0004] The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of suppressing the size of the operating device and improving the operability of the operating device for a user holding the grip. Specifically, when a user operates the operating device while holding the grip, they may want to operate the operating button closer to their body to make it easier for them to operate the device in a comfortable position. For example, when a user dismounts from the saddle (the driver's seat) and activates the second mode, which is a push-walk or self-propelled mode, on an electrically assisted bicycle, the operating button closest to the user's body may be designated as the second mode execution button. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that the operating button closest to the driver's seat among multiple operating buttons sandwiched between the case and its upper cover is designated as the second mode execution button. However, the operating surface of the operating button faces either horizontally toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction or tilts downward relative to the vertical direction, requiring the user to press the operating button horizontally toward the front, leaving room for improvement in terms of improving operability.

[0005] It is also conceivable to extend the entire user-side end of the frame member rearward and place operation buttons with their operation surfaces facing vertically upward above it, but this would increase the size of the frame member, which would cause the operation device to become larger. Also, simply providing operation buttons facing vertically upward leaves room for improvement in terms of improving operability for the user holding the grip.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent an increase in size of an operating device attached to a handle of a moving body and to improve operability by a user holding a grip.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a mobile body, which is an operating device that is attached to the handle of a mobile body having a handle with a grip that is gripped by a user, and that receives operating inputs, and which comprises a case portion that is attached to the handle, and a cover portion that covers the case portion, and the cover portion includes a frame member fixed to the case portion and a plurality of operating buttons that are operably combined with the frame member, each of the plurality of operating buttons forming a part of the outer shell of the cover portion, and the plurality of operating buttons including a first operating button and a second operating button arranged on the user side, and the frame member has a protruding portion that protrudes from a part of the edge on the user side, and the second operating button has an operating surface that slopes downward from the anti-user side toward the user side and slopes from the anti-grip side toward the grip side so as to be closer to the handle.

[0008] According to the operating device of the present disclosure, the frame member is formed with a protruding portion that protrudes toward the user, and the second operation button can be positioned above the protruding portion. This improves the operability of the second operation button when the user is holding the grip, and also prevents the operating device from becoming too large, since the entire user-side end of the frame member does not need to protrude significantly toward the user.

[0009] 5A , 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a mobile object, to which an operating device according to an embodiment is attached; FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the handle of the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1A in a straight-ahead position, as viewed from above; FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of the operating device removed from the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1C, viewed from above in the vertical direction; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operating device of FIG. 2, viewed from the tip of the grip along the axial direction of the grip of the left handle; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operating device of FIG. 2, viewed from the driver's seat side in a first direction perpendicular to the grip axial direction and the vertical direction; FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2; FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5A; FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the protruding part of the frame member shown in FIG. 2, with the first operating button and the second operating button omitted; FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the operating device of FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the case shown in FIG. 7, to which a press detection unit that detects operation of the second operating button is attached; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second operating button, as viewed from below; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first operating button, as viewed from below; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2; FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of part D of FIG. 2, viewed from an obliquely front side. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion including the power button taken at the center in the height direction of the power button. Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3 when the operation device is rotated 45 degrees in the first direction X1 in use on an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a mobile body to which an operation device of an embodiment is attached. Fig. 13 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 in the use state of Fig. 13. Fig. 14 is a view of another example of an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a mobile body to which an operation device of an embodiment is attached, as seen from above with the handle in a straight-ahead position.

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an operating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a moving body to which the operating device is attached, with reference to the drawings. The materials, shapes, and positions described below are examples for the purpose of explanation and can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the moving body. In the following, the same reference numerals will be used to designate equivalent elements in all drawings. Furthermore, in the description below, the reference numerals previously described will be used as necessary.

[0011] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1, which is a mobile object to which an operating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. Note that the electrically assisted bicycle of the embodiment is not limited to a city bicycle as illustrated in FIG. 1 , but may also be, for example, a sports bicycle, a folding bicycle, or the like. In the following description, up / down, left / right, and front / rear refer to the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions, respectively, when the bicycle is standing in a straight-forward position, which is the same position as when riding straight. For example, "up" refers to the upper side in the vertical direction when in a straight-forward position. In the following figures, the upper side is indicated as Up, the right side as Rh, the left side as Lh, the front side as Fr, and the rear side as Rr.

[0012] In the following, the mobile object will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle, but the mobile object is not limited to this and may be, for example, another vehicle equipped with an operating device in which the functions of the operating buttons in the configuration of the embodiment are changed. For example, the other vehicle may be an electric motorcycle that is self-propelled solely by the driving force of an electric motor, or a bicycle that is propelled solely by human-powered driving force based on pedal force.

[0013] The saddle 5 side, which is the driver's seat side and the user's side, is indicated by X1, and the opposite side of the saddle 5, which is the anti-user side, is indicated by X1a. In this specification, the user side refers to the user side when the user is riding in the vehicle. More specifically, in this specification, the user side, the driver's seat side, or the saddle 5 side refers to the saddle 5 side and the driver's seat side in the first direction X1, X1a, which are orthogonal to both the axial direction X2 of the grip 4a of the handlebar 4 to which the operating device 30 is attached and the vertical direction (the direction along the arrow Up).

[0014] In the following description, the operating device 30 is attached to the left side of the handle as one side portion of the handle, but it may be attached to the right side of the handle as one side portion of the handle.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1A , the electrically assisted bicycle 1 can operate in two modes: a first mode, which is an assist mode when the pedals 7 are depressed, and a second mode, in which the electric motor 12 ( FIG. 1B ) outputs auxiliary power to propel the bicycle without a person (user). The "first mode" is a mode in which the bicycle is propelled by adding a first auxiliary power output from the electric motor 12 in accordance with the magnitude of the pedal force to the human-powered driving force exerted on the pedals 7. The "second mode" is either a "pushing mode" or a "self-propelling mode." The "pushing mode" is a mode in which, when a person pushes the electrically assisted bicycle 1, a second auxiliary power output from the electric motor 12 is added to the pushing force of the user. The pushing mode is executed when a person is not riding the electrically assisted bicycle 1 but is walking while pushing the body of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The "self-propelling mode" is a mode in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is propelled by adding a second auxiliary power output from the electric motor 12 to the body while supported by a person. Like the push-walking mode, the self-propelled mode is executed when a person is not riding the power-assisted bicycle 1 but is walking while supporting the body of the power-assisted bicycle 1. In the self-propelled mode, the person is not applying any force pushing the body forward. A sensor provided on the grip 4a (FIG. 1C) or the like may detect the force applied to the front of the bicycle, and the "push-walking mode" and "self-propelled mode" may be distinguished based on the magnitude of the force. The power-assisted bicycle 1 may also be executed as the second mode without distinguishing between the "push-walking mode" and the "self-propelled mode." As will be described later, the power-assisted bicycle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a second switch 80 (FIG. 1C) near the grip 4a for instructing execution of the second mode. The second switch 80 has a second operation button 81 as an operation unit and a press detection unit that detects the operation of the second operation button 81.

[0016] The electrically assisted bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, which is a vehicle body, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b, handlebars 4, a saddle 5, crank arms 6, pedals 7, a battery 10, and a motor unit 11. When the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is in the first mode, the force applied by the user to the pedals 7 (pedal force) is assisted by an electric motor 12 ( FIG. 1B ) of the motor unit 11. In this embodiment, the pedal force of the pedals 7 and the output of the electric motor 12 are transmitted to the rear wheel 3b via a chain 8.

[0017] The frame 2 connects the front wheel 3a, rear wheel 3b, handlebars 4, saddle 5, etc., and supports a battery 10 and a motor unit 11. The frame 2 is made up of a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the plurality of pipes include a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a down pipe 2c, a seat pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and a bottom bracket (not shown). The bottom bracket is a pipe that connects the down pipe 2c, the seat pipe 2d, and the chain stay 2e.

[0018] A steering column 14 is connected to the lower end of the handlebars 4 via a stem 13. The steering column 14 is rotatably inserted inside the head pipe 2a, and a front fork 2b is supported at the lower end of the steering column 14. The front fork 2b has a pair of legs that rotatably support the front wheel 3a.

[0019] The down pipe 2c is a pipe that connects the head pipe 2a and the bottom bracket. The down pipe 2c is inclined so that it is positioned higher the closer it is to the front of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The seat pipe 2d is a pipe that holds the saddle 5. The saddle 5 is a member on which the user sits. In this embodiment, the battery 10 is attached to the seat pipe 2d, and the motor unit 11 is attached to the bottom bracket.

[0020] The chainstays 2e are pipes that connect the seat stays 2f and the bottom bracket. Like the chainstays 2e, the seat stays 2f are provided on both sides of the rear wheel 3b, one on each side. The rear wheel 3b is rotatably supported at the rear end of the chainstays 2e.

[0021] The crank arms 6 and pedals 7 attached to one ends thereof are provided on both the left and right sides of the electrically assisted bicycle 1, and the other ends of the pair of crank arms 6 are connected to each other by a crankshaft (not shown). The electrically assisted bicycle 1 further includes a drive sprocket that rotates with the rotation of the crankshaft, and a rear wheel sprocket provided on the rear wheel 3b (neither of which are shown), and the drive sprocket and rear wheel sprocket are connected via a chain 8. In this embodiment, power output from the electric motor 12 is transmitted to the drive sprocket via a reduction gear or the like, and then transmitted to the rear wheel 3b via the chain 8.

[0022] The battery 10 is a power supply device that supplies power to at least the motor unit 11. The battery 10 may be configured to supply power to devices other than the motor unit 11, such as the headlight 9.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1B , which will be described later, the motor unit 11 is a drive unit that has an electric motor 12, a control device 20, and a drive circuit 21 and assists the pedal force of the pedal 7. The output of the motor unit 11 is controlled to drive the electric motor 12, for example, based on the pedal force, which is the torque acting on the crankshaft, and the number of rotations of the crankshaft per unit time. The drive of the electric motor 12 is controlled by the control device 20, which will be described later. At least a portion of the control device 20 may be housed together with the electric motor 12 within the housing of the motor unit 11, and may be unitized with the electric motor 12.

[0024] Using Figure 1B, the configuration centered on the control device 20 for transitioning the electrically assisted bicycle 1 to the second mode will be described in detail. Figure 1B is a block diagram of the configuration centered on the control device 20 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 of the embodiment. Connected to the control device 20 are the electric motor 12, a bicycle state detection unit 23, a power switch 100, and a second switch 80. The power switch 100 and the second switch 80 are provided on the operating device 30 (Figures 1C and 2), which will be described later.

[0025] The control device 20 is, for example, configured as a microcomputer, and includes a processor that executes arithmetic processing, a memory that stores measurement data used for the calculations, calculation results, processing programs, etc., and input / output ports. The processor is, for example, configured as a CPU, and has the function of reading and executing the processing programs stored in the memory. Generally, each function of the control device 20 is realized by executing the processing programs. The memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, or a volatile memory such as a RAM.

[0026] The output of the electric motor 12 is controlled by the control device 20 via a drive circuit 21 included in the motor unit 11. The electric motor 12 is, for example, a three-phase brushless DC motor. The electric motor 12 can have various configurations as long as it is an electric motor that is driven by power supplied from the battery 10.

[0027] The bicycle state detection unit 23 includes a pedal force sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. The pedal force sensor is built into the motor unit 11, for example, and detects the pedal force load acting on the crankshaft. The vehicle speed sensor detects the vehicle speed of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 from the rotation speed of the front wheel 3 a or rear wheel 3 b.

[0028] The power switch 100 is a switch that the user uses to start up the control device 20 to start up the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The power switch 100 has a power button 101 (FIG. 2) and a press detection unit that detects the operation of the power button 101.

[0029] The first mode is executed when the power switch 100 is turned on and the user depresses the pedal 7. For example, the first mode is executed when the user rides the electrically assisted bicycle 1 and depresses the pedal 7, and the pedal force resulting from this operation reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. When the first mode is executed, the control device 20 calculates a first auxiliary power to be output from the electric motor 12 based on the torque (pedal force load) acting on the crankshaft and the detected vehicle speed, and drives the electric motor 12 with the calculated first auxiliary power. In this embodiment, the control device 20 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 21, and the drive circuit 21 performs a switching operation based on the control signal, thereby changing the amount of current supplied to the electric motor 12. This controls the output of the electric motor 12.

[0030] The electrically assisted bicycle 1 may include, as the bicycle state detection unit 23, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the electric motor 12, a current sensor that detects the amount of current supplied to the electric motor 12, and an inclination sensor that detects the degree to which the bicycle is tilted from a horizontal position in the fore-and-aft direction. The electrically assisted bicycle 1 may be configured to increase or decrease the output of the electric motor 12 based on the detection values ​​of each of these sensors.

[0031] 1C to 12, the operating device 30 attached to the handlebar 4 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 1C, a grip 4a to be gripped by the user and a brake lever device 15 are attached to both the left and right ends of the handlebar 4. Fig. 1C only shows the grip 4a and brake lever device 15 attached to the left end of the handlebar 4, but the grip and brake lever device attached to the right end of the handlebar 4 are also attached in the same way as the left end.

[0032] 1C, an up-type handlebar is described in which both left and right sides of the handlebar 4 are inclined so that they extend upward from the left and right center, which is the attachment portion of the stem 13, outward on each side, and are bent rearward at the tip. Also, in this example, when the handlebar 4 is viewed from above with the bicycle in a straight riding position, both left and right ends of the U-shape are inclined rearward toward the outer left and right ends.

[0033] The grip 4a is the part that the user holds with their hand while riding the bicycle. The grip 4a is also used by the user to hold when the user dismounts and pushes the bicycle. Operating the brake lever device 15 on one side (left side in FIG. 2) activates the brake device attached to the rear wheel 3b. Operating the brake lever device (not shown) on the other side (right side in FIG. 2) activates the brake device attached to the front wheel 3a.

[0034] An operating device 30 is attached to the left end of the handlebar 4, closer to the center on the stem 13 side than the ring portion 15a, which is the mounting portion for the brake lever device 15. The operating device 30 is fitted and attached to the handlebar 4, and receives operation inputs from the user via a plurality of switches 60, 70, 80, and 90 shown in Figure 2. In the following explanation, the orientation of the operating device 30 will be described as the orientation when the operating device 30 is attached to the handlebar 4 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1, which is a mobile object, and the electrically assisted bicycle is in a straight-ahead position.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating device 30 includes a band portion 31 that is fitted onto the handle 4 and attached thereto, a case portion 40 that is attached to the handle 4 by being fixed to the upper side of the band portion 31, a cover portion 50 that covers the upper part of the case portion 40, and a cable 49 for extracting signals that is led out from the side of the case portion 40.

[0036] The cover unit 50 includes a frame member 51 fixed to the case unit 40 by fitting or the like, and a plurality of operation buttons 61, 71, 81, 91 operably combined with the frame member 51. As shown in FIG. 2 , the plurality of operation buttons 61, 71, 81, 91 include first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons 61, 81, 71, 91. The first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons 61, 81, 71, 91 constitute first, second, third, and fourth switches 60, 80, 70, 90, respectively. The upper surfaces, which are the outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons 61, 81, 71, 91, respectively, constitute part of the outer shell of the cover unit 50. The second operation button 81 is disposed on the first direction X1 side, which is closer to the user and the saddle 5, than the first operation button 61.

[0037] The second operation button 81 is an operation unit that constitutes the second switch 80. The second operation button 81 accepts a user's operation to execute the second mode, which is the "pushed walking mode" or the "self-propelled mode." An operation surface 81 a of the second operation button 81 is operated to instruct execution of the second mode.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 , the frame member 51 has a protrusion 54 that protrudes in the first direction X1 from a grip 4a-side (left side in FIG. 2 ) end, which is a part of the edge 51a on the first direction X1 side. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second operation button 81 has an operation surface 81a that slopes downward from the first direction X1a side (opposite the user) toward the first direction X1 side (user side), and slopes from the anti-grip 4a side (opposite the arrow X2 in FIG. 4 ) toward the grip 4a side (arrow X2 side in FIG. 4 ) toward the handle 4. This improves the operability of the second operation button 81 by a user holding the grip 4a, and eliminates the need for the entire first direction X1-side end of the frame member 51 to protrude significantly in the first direction X1. This prevents the operating device 30 from becoming larger. While the grips 4a are located on both the left and right sides of the handle 4, the "grip side" refers to the side of the grip 4a closest to the operating device 30.

[0039] Each component of the operating device 30 will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 5A , the band portion 31 is made of resin and has an insertion portion 35 provided on the upper side of a main body portion 31a having a generally C-shaped cross section. The insertion portion 35 is shaped so that it can be inserted into a groove 42 on the lower side of a case portion 40 (described below). The main body portion 31a has two opposing portions 32, 33 spaced apart from each other on its lower portion. A nut 39 is held non-rotatably inside one opposing portion 32, and a bolt 38 is inserted from the other opposing portion 33 toward the one opposing portion 32 and tightened by the nut 39.

[0040] The main body 31a is formed with a curved surface 34 having a generally arc-shaped cross section. A portion of the left side of the handle 4, different from the grip 4a, is inserted inside the curved surface 34. In this state, the bolt 38 is tightened by the nut 39, thereby reducing the distance between the two opposing portions 32, 33. This reduces the inner diameter of the curved surface 34 connected to the opposing portions 32, 33, and the band 31 is tightened to the handle 4, thereby fixing the band 31 to the handle 4.

[0041] 3 and 5A, the case 40 is made of resin and includes a lower support portion 41 having a groove 42 opening to its lower surface, and an upper support portion 45 having a frame-shaped wall 45c provided above the lower support portion 41 and surrounding the upper surface of the upper support portion 45, into which the lower end of the cover portion 50 can be fitted. The insertion portion 35 of the band portion 31 is inserted into the groove 42 of the lower support portion 41. In this state, the case 40 is fixed to the band portion 31 by tightening a bolt 48 (FIG. 3) that passes through the lower support portion 41 and the band portion 31 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the grip 4a and a nut (not shown) that is held non-rotatably inside the lower support portion 41.

[0042] As described above, the band portion 31 has two opposing portions 32, 33 spaced apart from each other. By tightening the bolts and nuts to reduce the distance between the two opposing portions 32, 33, the inner diameter of the curved portion 34 connected to the two opposing portions is reduced, and the band portion 31 is fixed to the handlebar 4 inserted through the curved portion 34. The case portion 40 is also screwed and fixed to the upper side of the band portion 31. This allows a user to prepare multiple types of case portions 40 with different heights Ha ( FIG. 5A ) of the lower support portion 41 in advance, select a case portion 40 with an appropriate height from the multiple types, and easily combine the case portion 40 with the band portion 31 while preventing interference with peripheral components such as the brake lever of the handlebar 4. This makes it easier to assemble an operating device 30 at a height that is easy for the user to operate to the handlebar 4 while preventing interference with components. Furthermore, while the band part 31 remains attached to the handle 4, the case part 40 can be replaced with another case part whose height has been changed, and the upper part of the operating device including the changed case part can be attached to the band part 31.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3, 5B, 6, and 7, the upper support portion 45 of the case 40 has a generally rectangular plate shape when viewed from above, and includes a protrusion 45b formed to protrude in the first direction X1 from the grip-side (left side in Figure 7) end of the edge 45a on the first direction X1 side. As shown in Figure 7, press detectors 65 and 75 constituting the first switch 60 and the third switch 70, respectively, and a press detector 88 constituting the second switch 80, shown in Figure 5A, are attached to the grip 4a side of the upper surface of the upper support portion 45. The press detectors 65, 75, and 88 are arranged side by side on the grip 4a side end of the upper surface of the upper support portion 45. The press detectors 65, 75, and 88 are each composed of a tactile switch or the like that detects when the upper surface is pressed.

[0044] The first switch 60 is a DOWN-side operation unit for instructing an adjustment to decrease the assist force of the electric motor 12. The third switch 70 is an UP-side operation unit for instructing an adjustment to increase the assist force of the electric motor 12. The first switch 60 and the third switch 70 each include operation buttons 61, 71 (described below) and press-down detection units 65, 75 that detect the operation of the operation buttons 61, 71. Detection signals from the press-down detection units 65, 75 are sent to the control device 20. Note that the control device 20 may be composed of multiple control devices, and some of the control devices may be built into the operating device 30.

[0045] The second switch 80 is an operation unit for instructing the second mode. The second switch 80 includes a second operation button 81 and a press detection unit 88 that detects the operation of the second operation button 81. A detection signal from the press detection unit 88 is also transmitted to the control device 20. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the press detection unit 88 is disposed above the protrusion 47. The press detection unit 88 is attached to the upper surface of the substrate 87 and is composed of two tactile switches arranged side by side. Only when it detects that both of the two tactile switches are pressed, is a signal indicating that the second operation button 81 has been operated transmitted to the control device 20. This makes it possible to more reliably detect that the second switch 80 has been operated. The configurations of the first, second, and third switches 60, 80, and 70 will be described in detail later.

[0046] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7 , a display unit 110 and a display group 120 are arranged side by side from the grip 4a side (left side in FIG. 7 ) on the upper surface of the upper support portion 45 of the case 40, on the side opposite the grip 4a (right side in FIG. 7 ). The display unit 110 and the display group 120 are formed, for example, by LEDs. As shown in FIG. 2 , the display unit 110 has a generally elongated rectangular shape extending in a direction generally parallel to the arrangement direction of the first, second, and third operation buttons 61, 81, and 71. The display group 120 includes a plurality of display units 121 arranged in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the first, second, and third operation buttons 61, 81, and 71. The display units 121 are arranged in a direction generally parallel to the axial direction of the grip 4a (direction of arrow X2). The upper surfaces of the display units 110 and 121 are exposed through openings in an upper surface portion 52a constituting the cover unit 50 (described later) and are generally flush with the top surface of the upper surface portion 52a.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 , the cover unit 50 includes a frame member 51 fixed to the upper support portion 45 of the case unit 40 by fitting or the like, and a plurality of operation buttons 61, 71, 81, and 91 assembled to the frame member 51, each of which is made of resin. As shown in FIG. 7 , the frame member 51 includes a main body plate portion 52 having substantially the same external shape as the upper support portion 45 of the case unit 40 when viewed from above, and a wall portion 53 protruding downward from the outer periphery of the main body plate portion 52. The main body plate portion 52 is formed on the side opposite the grip 4a and includes an upper surface portion 52a that serves as the top surface of the cover unit 50 when in use, an intermediate plate portion 52c formed below the upper surface portion 52a via a step portion 52b, and a lower plate portion 52e formed further below the intermediate plate portion 52c via a step portion 52d. The intermediate plate portion 52c is disposed between the lower plate portion 52e and the upper surface portion 52a.

[0048] The upper surface portion 52a includes a substantially rectangular opening 56 for exposing the display unit 110 on the outer surface of the operating device 30, and a plurality of substantially rectangular openings 57 for exposing a plurality of display units 121 on the outer surface of the operating device 30. A fourth operation button 91 constituting a fourth switch 90 (FIG. 2) described below is supported on the upper side of the intermediate plate portion 52c via a coil spring.

[0049] The lower plate 52e is provided with a hinge support portion 52f that supports a hinge rubber 66 that elastically supports the third and fourth operation buttons 61, 71 that constitute the first and third switches 60, 70, two swing support portions 58 that swingably support the second operation button 81 that constitutes the second switch 80, and a hinge support portion 52g that supports a hinge rubber 86 (described later). As shown in Fig. 6, each swing support portion 58 protrudes from the upper surface of the lower plate 52e so as to have an inner surface that is arc-shaped in cross section.

[0050] At positions adjacent to the hinge support portions 52f, 52g of the lower plate portion 52e, circular or oval openings 52h, 52i are formed for exposing parts of the hinge rubbers 66, 86 downward.

[0051] A stepped surface recessed inward along the entire circumference of the wall portion 53 is formed on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion 53, which is provided on the outer periphery of the main body plate portion 52. As a result, a fitting cylindrical portion 53a ( FIG. 5A ) that is thinner than the upper portion of the wall portion 53 is formed on the lower side of the wall portion 53. This fitting cylindrical portion 53a is fitted inside the wall portion 45c of the upper support portion 45 of the case portion 40, and the stepped surface of the wall portion 53 abuts against the upper surface of the wall portion 45c of the upper support portion 45. As a result, the cover portion 50 is fitted and fixed to the case portion 40. In this state, the case portion 40 and the cover portion 50 may be fixed together with screws from the underside of the upper support portion 45 of the case portion 40, for example.

[0052] As described above, the main body plate portion 52 of the frame member 51 of the cover portion 50 has substantially the same external shape as the upper support portion 45 of the case portion 40 when viewed from above. As a result, the frame member 51 has a protrusion 54 formed to protrude in the first direction X1 from the grip-side (left side in FIG. 7 ) end of the edge 51 a on the first direction X1 side, similar to the upper support portion 45. The second operation button 81, which will be described later, is disposed above this protrusion 54.

[0053] The multiple operation buttons 61, 81, 71, and 91 include first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons 61, 81, 71, and 91. Starting with the second operation button 81, each operation button 61, 81, 71, and 91, as well as the arrangement and support structure of each operation button, will be described below.

[0054] 2 and 9A, the second operation button 81 is a generally trapezoidal plate made of resin, and has an operation surface 81a on its top surface that the user's finger comes into contact with for operation. The operation surface 81a is generally flat. A generally U-shaped portion extending from the tip of the periphery of the top surface of the second operation button 81 to the base ends on both lateral sides is provided with inclined surfaces 81b that are inclined outward toward the lower surface.

[0055] Additionally, a plurality of linear ribs 82 are provided on the end of the top surface of the second operation button 81 on the first direction X1 side. Each rib 82 extends in a direction connecting the base end on the first operation button 61 side and the tip end on the saddle 5 side, i.e., in a direction intersecting the direction along the first direction X1, along the tip edge of the second operation button 81.

[0056] The operation surface 81a of the second operation button 81 is inclined downward from the first direction X1a side, which is the anti-user side, toward the first direction X1 side, which is the user side, and is also inclined from the anti-grip 4a side (the side opposite to the arrow X2 in FIG. 4 ) toward the grip 4a side (the arrow X2 side in FIG. 4 ) so as to become closer to the handle 4. This makes it easier to arrange the second operation button 81 in the operation device 30 at a position closest to the thumb of the user holding the grip 4a, so the user will not get tired even if they keep pressing the second operation button 81 with their thumb for a long time.

[0057] In FIG. 4 , the direction along which the operation surface 81a extends is indicated by a line U1. The line U1 is inclined from the non-grip side toward the grip 4a toward the handlebars 4 with respect to a line V1 that is horizontal and parallel to the axial direction of the grip 4a on the upper side of the grip 4a. This makes it easier for a user holding the grip 4a to press the operation surface 81a with the thumb of the gripping hand. The second operation button 81 is operated to initiate the second mode. At this time, the user dismounts from the side of the bicycle and holds both the left and right grips 4a. Therefore, the operation surface 81a is located at the end of the operating device 30 in the first direction X1, and the operation surface 81a is inclined downward toward the grip 4a, making the second operation button 81 easier to operate. As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation surface 81a of the second operation button 81 is inclined downward from the first direction X1a toward the first direction X1. 3, the direction along which the operation surface 81a extends is indicated by a straight line U2. The straight line U2 is inclined downward in the first direction X1 with respect to a straight line V2 that extends horizontally.

[0058] This improves the operability of the second operation button 81, and eliminates the need to significantly protrude the entire end of the frame member 51 on the first direction X1 side in the first direction X1. This prevents the operating device 30 from becoming too large.

[0059] The operation surface 81 a of the second operation button 81 may be a gently curved surface that is recessed in the horizontal direction, which is the direction parallel to the distal and proximal edges. In this case, the direction along which the operation surface 81 a extends is the direction along which the tangent line at the center of the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal direction faces.

[0060] Furthermore, the upper end surface of each rib 82 is parallel to the operation surface 81a. As a result, the upper end surface of each rib 82 is also inclined downward toward the grip 4a. Since the ribs 82 are provided on the upper surface of the second operation button 81 in this manner, the ribs 82 act as a non-slip surface for the user's fingers. This prevents the surface of the second operation button 81 from slipping due to sweat from the hand when operating the second operation button 81, further improving the operability of the second operation button 81.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 9A , a shaft support portion 84a is provided at the base end (upper right end in Fig. 9A ) of the lower surface of the second operation button 81. The tip of the shaft support portion 84a protrudes from the base end edge of the second operation button 81 toward the first operation button (upper right side in Fig. 9A ). A cylindrical shaft portion 84b is provided at the tip of this shaft support portion 84a so as to protrude laterally. The two shaft portions 84b have the same shape and coincide with each other on the central axis. Each shaft portion 84b constitutes a swing support structure for the second operation button 81, as will be described later.

[0062] A pressing protrusion 85 is provided in the middle of the lower surface of the second operation button 81. The pressing protrusion 85 has a shape in which two cylindrical sections are connected by a plate section in the middle. The pressing protrusion 85 is configured to be able to press the pressing detection section 88 via a hinge rubber 86 (FIG. 7).

[0063] 9A , the second operation button 81 has a thick portion 84c, which is thicker than the other portions, at a U-shaped edge extending from the tip of the lower surface to the base ends on both lateral sides. The thick portion 84c reinforces the second operation button 81. A locking claw 83 is provided on the lower surface of the tip of the thick portion 84c. The tip of the locking claw 83 protrudes toward the side facing the lower surface of the second operation button 81.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 5B, each shaft 84b of the second operation button 81 is swingably supported on the inner surface of each swing support portion 58. This forms a swing support structure for the second operation button 81. Although Fig. 5B only shows the support structure between one swing support portion 58 and the shaft 84b, the support structure between the other swing support portion and the shaft is similar.

[0065] The depression protrusion 85 of the second operation button 81 is pressed against the tip of an elliptical protrusion provided in the center of the hinge rubber 86, elastically compressing the protrusion. As a result, an upward repulsive force is applied from the hinge rubber 86 to the second operation button 81. A depression detection unit 88 faces the side of the hinge rubber 86 opposite the protrusion, with a small gap between them. In this state, the tip of the locking claw 83 of the second operation button 81 is locked with the tip of the hook portion 55 provided to protrude upward at the tip of the protrusion 54 of the cover unit 50. In this state, the second operation button 81 is prevented from coming off the frame member 51, and a gap is formed between the lower end of the locking claw 83 and the upper surface of the upper support portion 45 of the case unit 40, allowing the second operation button 81 to swing downward. As a result, the second operation button 81 is configured to swing up and down while being elastically supported by the rubber. 3, the second operation button 81 is configured to be able to swing when operated in the direction of an arc centered on the central axis O of the grip 4a, or in the direction of an arc approximating that arc, as indicated by the arrow T. This allows the user to more naturally operate the second operation button 81 with the thumb of the hand holding the grip 4a.

[0066] As described above, the second operation button 81 is configured to swing up and down while being elastically supported by rubber, which makes it easier to assemble the swing support structure for the second operation button 81 than when a spring is used to form the swing support structure for the second operation button. Note that, as shown in Fig. 5B , the first operation button 61, which will be described later, is disposed above the shaft support portion 84a and swing support portion 58 of the second operation button 81, so that when the first operation button 61 and the second operation button 81 are attached to the operating device 30, the second operation button 81 will not come off unless the first operation button 61 is removed.

[0067] When the second operation button 81 is operated to press it downward, the press protrusion 85 shown in FIG. 5B applies a pressing force to the press detection unit 88 via the hinge rubber 86. This causes the press detection unit 88 to send a detection signal indicating that the second operation button 81 has been operated to the control device 20. Furthermore, because the second operation button 81 swings around a single central axis around the shaft portion 84b, twisting does not occur on either side of the width of the second operation button 81, making it easy to simultaneously press the two press detection units 88, which are made up of two tactile switches. This provides a good operational feel for the user.

[0068] 2 and 9B , the first operation button 61 is made of resin and has a generally rectangular shape, and is a plate-like shape with a generally rectangular recess at the end of the third operation button 71 that is closer to the display unit 110. An operation surface 61 a that the user's finger comes into contact with for operation is provided on the top surface of the first operation button 61.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 2, the third operation button 71 is arranged alongside the first operation button 61 in the first direction X1. The third operation button 71 is made of resin, and the shape of the third operation button 71 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the center between the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. The first operation button 61 has an inclined surface 61b on the grip 4a side (left side in Fig. 2) from the operation surface 61a. Meanwhile, the third operation button 71 has an inclined surface 71b that slopes downward in a portion that continues from the operation surface 71a on the grip 4a side to the edge opposite the first operation button 61.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 9B , a cylindrical portion 62a protrudes from the end of the underside of the first operation button 61 on the second operation button 81 side (upper side in Fig. 9B ), the end opposite the grip 4a (right side in Fig. 9B ). A cylindrical portion 62b protrudes from the end of the underside of the first operation button 61 on the third operation button 71 side (lower side in Fig. 9B ), the end on the grip 4a side (left side in Fig. 9B ). The two cylindrical portions 62a, 62b are approximately parallel to each other.

[0071] Locking claws 63a and 63b are provided on both sides (top and bottom sides in FIG. 9B ) of the second operation button 81 and the first operation button 61 at the end opposite the grip 4a (right side in FIG. 9B ) of the underside of the first operation button 61. The tip of the locking claw 63a faces outward from the first operation button 61, and the tip of the locking claw 63b faces inward from the first operation button 61.

[0072] A pressing protrusion 64 is provided in the middle of the underside of the first operation button 61. The pressing protrusion 64 has four reinforcing pieces joined around a central cylindrical portion so as to form a roughly cross-shaped diameter when viewed from the tip. The tip of the central cylindrical portion protrudes downward between the reinforcing pieces. The pressing protrusion 64 is configured to be able to press the above-mentioned pressing detection unit 65 (FIG. 7) via a hinge rubber 66 (FIG. 7).

[0073] The end of the lower surface of the first operation button 61 on the grip side (left side in FIG. 9B) is formed so as to protrude downward while inclining outward.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7, a hinge rubber 66 is attached to a hinge support portion 52f provided on the lower plate portion 52e of the cover portion 50. The hinge rubber 66 has two cylindrical cup portions 66a with bottoms connected by a middle plate portion. When the hinge rubber 66 is attached to the hinge support portion 52f, the two cup portions 66a protrude downward from the circular opening 52h of the lower plate portion 52e shown in Fig. 7. Although Fig. 6 shows only one side of the hinge rubber 66, the other side is also supported by the lower plate portion 52e in a similar manner.

[0075] When the two cylindrical portions 62a, 62b of the first operation button 61 shown in FIG. 9B are axially slidably inserted into the circular holes 59a, 59b of the lower support portion shown in FIG. 6, the tip of the central cylindrical portion of the depression protrusion 64 of the first operation button 61 is elastically pressed downward against the bottom of the cup portion 66a of the hinge rubber 66. As a result, an upward repulsive force is applied to the first operation button 61 from the hinge rubber 66. The depression detection unit 65 faces the lower surface of the bottom of the cup portion 66a of the hinge rubber 66 via a small gap. In this state, the tip portions of the locking claws 63a, 63b of the first operation button 61 are locked to the upper edges of the locking groove 59c and locking frame 59d of the lower plate portion 52e shown in FIG. 6, respectively. In this state, the first operation button 61 is prevented from slipping out of the frame member 51, and a gap is formed between the lower end of the portion of the first operation button 61 having the inclined surface 61b and the upper surface of the frame member 51, allowing the first operation button 61 to move when pressed downward. As a result, the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 are resiliently supported by rubber and are capable of reciprocating in a linear direction along the axial direction of the respective cylindrical portions 62a, 62b. This simplifies assembly of the support structure for the reciprocating movement of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 compared to when a support structure for the reciprocating movement of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 is formed using a spring. Furthermore, while the second operation button 81 can swing, the first and third operation buttons 61, 71 can move in a linear direction. Therefore, due to the difference in operation direction with the second operation button 81, the user can more easily operate the first and third operation buttons 61, 71 by feel.

[0076] When the first operation button 61 is operated to be pressed downward, the pressing protrusion 64 applies a pressing force to the pressing detection unit 65 via the hinge rubber 66. As a result, the pressing detection unit 65 transmits a detection signal indicating that the first operation button 61 has been operated to the control device 20.

[0077] The support structure for the lower support portion of the third operation button 71 adjacent to the first operation button 61 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the center between the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. In addition, the configuration in which a detection signal indicating that the third operation button 71 has been operated is transmitted to the control device 20 when a pressing force is applied to the pressing detection portion by the pressing protrusion is the same as that of the first operation button 61.

[0078] 3 and 5A, the operation surface 61a of the first operation button 61 is curved, with an arc-shaped cross section, recessed toward the frame member 51 as it approaches the third operation button 71. On the other hand, the operation surface 71a of the third operation button 71 is curved, with an arc-shaped cross section, recessed toward the frame member 51 as it approaches the first operation button 61. This makes it easier for a user riding a bicycle to stably position their fingers on the portions of the top surfaces of one or both of the two operation buttons 61, 71 while gripping the grip 4a with their hand when operating the first operation button 61 or the third operation button 71 with their thumb or other fingers.

[0079] Furthermore, the operation surface 61 a of the first operation button 61 and the operation surface 71 a of the third operation button 71 are curved along substantially the same surface, and no protruding or other catch portions are formed on the opposing ends of the operation surfaces 61 a, 71 a. This allows the user to easily move their fingers smoothly between the operation surface 61 a of the first operation button 61 and the operation surface 71 a of the third operation button 71 while gripping the grip 4 a with their hand.

[0080] 3, the operation surfaces 61a, 71a of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 are inclined from the side opposite the grip 4a (the back side of the paper in FIG. 3) toward the grip 4a (the front side of the paper in FIG. 3) so as to approach the handle 4. This makes it easier for a user holding the grip 4a to press the operation surfaces 61a, 71a of the first and third operation buttons 61, 71 with the thumb of the gripping hand, thereby further improving the operability of the operation device 30.

[0081] 2, 3, and 5A, the fourth operation button 91 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface portion 52a of the cover, between the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. In this state, the grip 4a-side portion of the upper surface of the fourth operation button 91 is located above and outside the positions of the upper surfaces of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 that are adjacent to the upper surface of the fourth operation button 91. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper surface of the fourth operation button 91 at the grip 4a-side edge is higher in the movement direction of the fourth operation button 91 by a height H than the upper surfaces of the first and third operation buttons 61 and 71 that are adjacent to the grip 4a-side edge in the axial direction of the grip 4a. In this way, a portion of the fourth operation button 91 is located above and outside the positions adjacent to the upper surfaces of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. Therefore, due to the difference in height between the fourth operation button 91 and the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 adjacent to the fourth operation button 91, the user can easily find the fourth operation button 91 by feel while holding the grip 4a in his / her hand. This further improves the operability of the operation device 30. Note that the entire upper surface of the fourth operation button 91 may be configured to be located above and outside the positions adjacent to the upper surfaces of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10 , the fourth operation button 91 is formed of resin. A wall portion 91c with a generally U-shaped cross section is formed on the underside of a top plate portion 91b. The fourth operation button 91 is generally box-shaped, with the end opposite the grip 4a and the bottom end open. The top plate portion 91b is insert-molded with the upper part of a metal pillar portion 92, with the middle and lower portions of the pillar portion 92 protruding downward. The pillar portion 92 penetrates an intermediate plate portion 52c of the cover portion 50 to be able to move back and forth in the vertical direction. In this state, the middle portion of a coil spring 97 is insert-molded into the intermediate plate portion 52c, with the upper end of the coil spring 97 abutting against the underside of the top plate portion 91b. As a result, the fourth operation button 91 is elastically supported by the frame member 51 with a repulsive force from the coil spring 97 acting against the depression of the fourth operation button 91. The lower end of the coil spring 97 is supported on the upper surface surrounding the depression detection unit 95, which is supported on the upper surface of the case portion 40.

[0083] Furthermore, a retaining ring 99 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the pillar 92, restricting movement of the pillar 92 above the intermediate plate 52c. Two elastic rings 98 are compressed and positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the pillar 92 and the inner surface of the hole in the intermediate plate 52c through which the pillar 92 passes. This prevents moisture from seeping in from around the fourth operation button 91 through the hole in the intermediate plate 52c to the press detection unit 95. In this state, the lower end of the pillar 92 faces the press detection unit 95 with a gap between them. The press detection unit 95 is composed of a tactile switch that detects when its top surface is pressed.

[0084] When the fourth operation button 91 is operated to press it downward, the lower end of the pillar 92 applies a pressing force to the press detection unit 95. As a result, the press detection unit 95 transmits a detection signal to the control device 20 indicating that the fourth operation button 91 has been operated.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the operation device 30 is provided with a display unit 110 and a display group 120 on the opposite side of the grip 4a from the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 (the right side in FIG. 2 ). This prevents the operation device 30 from becoming too long in the first direction X1 while improving operability. Furthermore, in the operation device 30, the display unit 110 and the display group 120 are arranged separately in the axial direction of the operation buttons 61, 71, 81, and 91 and the grip 4a, making it easier for the user to see the display unit 110 and the display group 120. The display unit 110 can convey different information by changing colors. For example, the display unit 110 lights up purple in high mode, in which the electric motor 12 always outputs a high assist force, and lights up yellow in auto mode, in which the assist force is automatically adjusted according to riding conditions. The display unit 110 may also be configured to light up in orange to indicate a minor error, and to light up in a different color (for example, red) depending on the severity of the error to indicate the error that has occurred.

[0086] The display group 120 displays, for example, the remaining charge of the battery 10. For example, the remaining charge of the battery 10 can be displayed by the number of lit display sections 121.

[0087] 2, 11, and 12, the operating device 30 is provided with a power button 101 for starting the electrically assisted bicycle on the side opposite the grip 4a of the first operating button 61 and the third operating button 71. This positions the power button 101, which is operated less frequently, farther from the user, making the operating buttons 61, 71, 81, and 91, which are operated more frequently, easier for the user to see, further improving the operability of the operating device 30.

[0088] In this example, the power button 101 is provided so as to protrude from a hole formed in the wall portion 53 of the cover portion 50 on the side opposite the user, that is, facing the first direction X1a on the side opposite the saddle 5.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12 , the power button 101 is formed of resin and has a block shape with an outer surface parallel to the outer surface of the wall portion 53 on which the power button 101 is provided. One end of a metal pillar portion 102 is insert-molded into the power button 101, and a middle portion and other side portion of the pillar portion 102 protrude from the inner surface of the power button 101. The pillar portion 102 penetrates a button support portion 53b formed to be recessed inward in the wall portion 53 of the cover portion 50, allowing the pillar portion 102 to move back and forth in the first direction X1a. In this state, a middle portion of a coil spring 107 is insert-molded into the button support portion 53b, and one end of the coil spring 107 abuts against the inner surface of the power button 101. As a result, the power button 101 is elastically supported by the frame member 51 with a repulsive force from the coil spring 107 acting against a substantially horizontal pressing action. The other end of the coil spring 107 is supported on the side surface surrounding the push-in detection unit 105, which is supported on the top surface of the case unit 40. As a result, the power button 101 is arranged to protrude from the wall surface at the end of the operation device 30 on the first direction X1a side, which is farther from the user's hand holding the grip 4a. This prevents the power button 101 from being accidentally operated, makes it easier to find the power button 101 by feel with the thumb, and allows the power button 101 to be operated more reliably.

[0090] Furthermore, a retaining ring 109 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the column 102, restricting movement of the column 102 outward from the button support portion 53b. Two elastic rings 108 are compressed and positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the column 102 and the inner surface of the hole in the button support portion 53b through which the column 102 passes. This prevents moisture from seeping in from around the power button 101 through the hole in the button support portion 53b to the press detection portion 105. In this state, the other end of the column 102 faces the press detection portion 105 with a gap between them. The press detection portion 105 is composed of a tactile switch that detects when its side is pressed.

[0091] When the power button 101 is pressed into the cover 50, the other end of the pillar 102 applies a pressing force to the pressing detection unit 105. As a result, the pressing detection unit 105 transmits a detection signal to the control device 20 indicating that the power button 101 has been pressed.

[0092] 3, the center position between the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 is positioned on the first direction X1 side by the length indicated by arrow d in FIG. 3 with respect to the central axis O of the grip 4a on the handlebar 4 side to which the operation device 30 is fitted. This prevents the first direction X1a side end of the upper portion of the operation device 30 from protruding significantly in the first direction X1a from the outer surface of the band portion 31 on the first direction X1a side, which is the end opposite the saddle 5. This makes it less likely that the operation device 30 will hit the ground even if the bicycle falls over while in use, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the operation device 30.

[0093] 3, a substantially flat base surface 36 is provided on the end of the top surface of the band 31 on the first direction X1 side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle α formed between the operation surfaces 61a, 81a, 71a of the first, second, and third operation buttons 61, 81, 71, such as the operation surface 81a of the second operation button 81, and a plane passing through the base surface 36 is restricted to a range of 18 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0094] 5A, the angle β formed by the central axis γ of the bolt 38 for tightening the handlebars provided on the band portion 31 and the plane δ that includes the central axis O of the grip 4a and is aligned vertically is restricted to between 40 degrees and 60 degrees. This makes it possible to prevent interference with peripheral components of the handlebars 4, such as the brake lever device, at positions along the axial direction of the bolt 38, within a range in which the operating device 30 is rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 5A in the first direction X1 (clockwise in FIG. 5A) around the central axis O.

[0095] Furthermore, when a control device is built into the operating device 30, the relationship between the operation of the operation button and the function executed by that operation may be stored in the built-in control device. In this case, for one operation button, the function executed can be changed by a combination of two or three of the following: a long press, a single click which is a short press, and a double click which is a short press twice.

[0096] For example, a configuration in which the headlights 9 are turned on when the fourth operation button 91 is pressed and held down can be used. Furthermore, if a display device (not shown) including a display is attached to the handlebars 4 separately from the operation device 30, a single click of the fourth operation button 91 can be used to switch the display screen from left to right. In this case, a double click of the fourth operation button 91 can be used to switch the display screen from right to left. Furthermore, a configuration in which the fourth operation button 91 and the first operation button 61 are pressed and held down simultaneously can be used to switch the display screen to a setting mode in which multiple settings can be selected. This allows for a smaller number of operation buttons than when multiple operation buttons are assigned to multiple functions. The display device (not shown) including a display can be attached to the handlebars 4, the stem 13, the frame 2, or both.

[0097] Alternatively, when the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 are pressed and held simultaneously, the smartphone held by the user and the operation device 30 may start pairing using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This eliminates the need to provide the operation device with a dedicated button for starting pairing. When the smartphone is paired with the operation device 30, for example, if a dedicated application program stored on the smartphone is executed, the application program may be linked to the control device 20 connected to the operation device 30. In this case, for example, a bicycle riding log may be stored in the application program, and the riding log may be displayed on the smartphone.

[0098] Fig. 13 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3 when the operating device 30 of the embodiment is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle and is used by rotating the operating device 30 45 degrees in the first direction X1. Fig. 14 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 when the operating device 30 is in the used state of Fig. 13.

[0099] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the operating device 30 can also be used in a state rotated 45 degrees toward the first direction X1 relative to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 12. In this case, unlike the configurations shown in Figures 1 to 12, the operating surfaces 61a, 71a of the first operating button 61 and the third operating button 71 are significantly tilted toward the first direction X1. Even in this case, the second operating button 81 has an operating surface 81a located above the protrusion 54 so that it faces in a direction tilted upward relative to the vertical when the electrically assisted bicycle is in a straight-ahead position. Also, as shown in Figure 14, in the straight-ahead position, the first, second, and third operating surfaces 61a, 81a, and 71a are tilted downward toward the grip 4a (left side in Figure 14). Arrows U3, U4, and U5 in Figure 14 indicate directions along the second, first, and third operating surfaces 81a, 61a, and 71a, respectively. This improves the operability of the first, second, and third operation surfaces 61a, 81a, and 71a by a user holding the grip 4a, and eliminates the need to significantly protrude the entire end of the frame member 51 on the first direction X1 side (the front side of the paper in FIG. 14 ) in the first direction X1. This prevents the operating device 30 from becoming larger.

[0100] Furthermore, the attachment state of the operating device 30 on an electrically assisted bicycle is not limited to the two positions shown in Figures 1 to 12 and 13 and 14. For example, the band portion 31 can be attached to the handlebars 4 at an angle intermediate between the attachment angle of the band portion 31 to the handlebars 4 determined in Figures 1 to 12 and the attachment angle of the band portion 31 to the handlebars 4 determined in Figures 13 and 14, and the operating device 30 can be attached to the handlebars 4 so as to include the band portion 31.

[0101] Figure 15 is a view of the handlebars 200 of an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with an operating device 30 according to an embodiment, viewed from above in a straight-ahead position. While the configurations of Figures 1 to 12, 13, and 14 illustrate the case where the handlebars 4 are upright, the configuration of this example shows the handlebars 200 as being flat, with the handlebars 200 generally at the same height and generally linearly extending in the left-right direction when viewed from above, with both left and right sides slightly tilted rearward toward their tips. In this example, as in the configurations of Figures 1 to 12, the operating device 30 is fixed to the left side of the handlebars 200 by a band 31 (see Figure 3, etc.) that is fixed to the stem 13a, which is the support side of the handlebars 4 relative to the vehicle body, from the ring 15a of the brake lever device 15.

[0102] 15, the frame member 51 (see FIG. 3, etc.) has a protrusion 54 (see FIGS. 2, 3, etc.) that protrudes in the first direction X1 from the grip 4a side end of the edge on the first direction X1 side. In this example, the first direction X1 side is the saddle side, which is the user side, of the first directions X1 and X1a that are perpendicular to both the axial direction X2 of the grip 4a of the handlebar 200 to which the operating device 30 is attached and the vertical direction.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the second operation button 81 in the operating device 30 has an operating surface 81a that slopes downward from the first direction X1a side (the back side of the paper in FIG. 14 ) that is the anti-user side toward the first direction X1 side (the front side of the paper in FIG. 14 ) that is the user side, and that slopes from the anti-grip 4a side (the side opposite to the arrow X2 in FIGS. 14 and 15 ) toward the grip 4a side (the arrow X2 side in FIGS. 14 and 15 ) toward the handle 4. This improves the operability of the second operation button 81 by a user holding the grip 4a, similar to the configurations in FIGS. 1 to 12 , and also prevents the operating device 30 from becoming larger because the entire end of the frame member 51 on the first direction X1 side does not need to protrude significantly toward the first direction X1. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 12 .

[0104] In the configuration of FIG. 15, the handle 200 has a slightly bent shape when viewed from above, but it may also be made completely straight.

[0105] Furthermore, the electrically assisted bicycle, which is one type of moving body disclosed herein, is not limited to having handlebars 4, 200 of either an up-type or a flat-type, but may be, for example, a high-rise type in which the tip portions of both left and right sides of the handlebar are positioned even higher than the stem when viewed from above, and both left and right ends are inclined significantly rearward relative to the left and right direction.

[0106] The present disclosure is further described by the following embodiments. Configuration 1: An operating device attached to a steering wheel of a vehicle having a grip for a user to grip, and receiving operation inputs, comprising: a case attached to the steering wheel; and a cover covering the case, wherein the cover includes: a frame member fixed to the case; and a plurality of operation buttons operably combined with the frame member, each of the plurality of operation buttons forming a part of an outer shell of the cover, the plurality of operation buttons including a first operation button and a second operation button arranged on a user side, the frame member having a protruding portion protruding from a part of an edge on the user side, and the second operation button having an operation surface that slopes downward from the anti-user side toward the user side and slopes from the anti-grip side toward the steering wheel. Configuration 2: The operating device according to Configuration 1, wherein a rib is provided on an outer surface of the second operation button, extending in a direction intersecting a direction connecting a base end on the first operation button side and a tip on the driver's seat side. Configuration 3: The operating device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the multiple operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, an outer surface of the first operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the third operation button, and an outer surface of the third operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the first operation button.Configuration 4: The operating device according to Configuration 3, wherein the multiple operation buttons include a fourth operation button, and at least a part of the outer surface of the fourth operation button is located outside a position on the outer surfaces of the first operation button and the third operation button that is adjacent to the outer surface of the fourth operation button.Configuration 5: The operating device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the multiple operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and the operation surfaces provided on the outer surfaces of the first operation button and the third operation button are inclined from the side away from the grip toward the grip so as to become closer to the handle.Configuration 6: The operating device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and a display unit is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite the grip.Configuration 7: The operating device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and a power button for starting a moving object is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite the grip.Configuration 8: The operating device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the second operation button is configured to swing up and down while being elastically supported by rubber.Configuration 9: The operating device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and the first operation button and the third operation button are configured to be reciprocatable in a linear direction while being elastically supported by rubber.

[0107] 1 Electrically assisted bicycle, 2 Frame, 2a Head pipe, 2b Front fork, 2c Down pipe, 2d Seat pipe, 2e Chain stay, 2f Seat stay, 3a Front wheel, 3b Rear wheel, 4 Handle, 4a Grip, 4b Fitting portion, 5 Saddle, 6 Crank arm, 7 Pedal, 8 Chain, 9 Headlight, 10 Battery, 11 Motor unit, 12 Electric motor, 13, 13a Stem, 14 Steering column, 15 Brake lever device, 15a Ring portion, 20 Control device, 21 Drive circuit, 23 Bicycle state detection unit, 30 Operation device, 31 Band portion, 31a Main body portion, 32, 33 Opposing portion, 34 Curved portion, 35 Insertion portion, 36 Base surface, 38 Bolt, 39 Nut, 40 Case portion, 41 Lower support portion, 42 Groove portion, 45 Upper support portion, 45a Edge, 46 Main body portion, 47 Protrusion portion, 48 Bolt, 49 Cable, 50 Cover portion, 51 Frame member, 51a Edge, 52 Main body plate portion, 53 Wall portion, 54 Protrusion portion, 55 Hook portion, 56, 57 Opening, 58 Swing support portion, 59a, 59b Circular hole, 59c Locking groove, 59d Locking frame, 60 First switch, 61 First operation button, 61a Operation surface, 62a, 62b Cylindrical portion, 63a, 63b Locking claw portion, 64 Press-down protrusion portion, 65 Press-down detection portion, 66 Hinge rubber, 66a Cup portion, 70 Third switch, 71 Third operation button, 71a Operation surface, 75 Press-down detection portion, 80 Second switch, 81 Second operation button, 81a Operation surface, 82 rib, 83 locking claw portion, 84a, shaft support portion, 84b shaft portion, 84c thick portion, 85 pressing protrusion portion, 86 hinge rubber, 87 substrate, 88 pressing detection portion (tact switch), 90 fourth switch, 91 fourth operation button, 91a operation surface, 92 pillar portion, 95 pressing detection portion, 97 coil spring, 98 elastic ring, 99 retaining ring, 100 power switch, 101 power button, 102 shaft, 105 pressing detection portion, 107 coil spring, 108 elastic ring, 109 retaining ring, 110 display portion, 120 display group, 121 display portion, 200 handle.

Claims

1. An operating device that is attached to a handle of a mobile object having a grip that is grasped by a user, and that receives operating inputs, comprising: a case portion attached to the handle; and a cover portion that covers the case portion, wherein the cover portion includes a frame member fixed to the case portion and a plurality of operating buttons operably combined with the frame member, each of the plurality of operating buttons forming a part of the outer shell of the cover portion, the plurality of operating buttons including a first operating button and a second operating button arranged on the user side, the frame member having a protruding portion that protrudes from a part of the edge on the user side, and the second operating button having an operating surface that slopes downward from the anti-user side toward the user side and slopes from the anti-grip side toward the grip side so as to become closer to the handle.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a rib is provided on the outer surface of the second operation button, the rib extending in a direction intersecting the direction connecting the base end of the first operation button and the tip end of the user button.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, the outer surface of the first operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the third operation button, and the outer surface of the third operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the first operation button.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of operation buttons include a fourth operation button, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the fourth operation button is located outside positions of the outer surfaces of the first operation button and the third operation button that are adjacent to the outer surface of the fourth operation button.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating buttons includes a third operating button, the first operating button and the third operating button are arranged side by side, and the operating surfaces provided on the outer surfaces of the first operating button and the third operating button are inclined from the anti-grip side toward the grip side so as to approach the handle.

6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and a display unit is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite the grip.

7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and a power button for starting up a moving object is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite the grip.

8. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the second operation button is configured to be able to swing up and down while being elastically supported by rubber.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation buttons include a third operation button, the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side, and the first operation button and the third operation button are configured to be reciprocally movable in a linear direction while being elastically supported by rubber.

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