Handle remote controller

Abstract

To provide a handle remote controller that can be operated while touching a handle of a two-wheeled vehicle. A handle remote controller (200) comprises an annular handle attachment part (201), a board accommodation part (203) that is provided on the outer periphery of the handle attachment part (201) and that accommodates a circuit board and a battery, an operation reception part (206) that covers the board accommodation part (203), and an adjustment ring (202) that is attached to the inner periphery of the handle attachment part (201). The operation reception unit (206) is formed such that the distance from the inner periphery of the cylindrical part (210) increases from one end side to the other end side of the operation reception unit (206) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part (210) of the handle attachment part (201). The handle remote controller (200) can function, for example, as a remote controller for a communication device attached to a helmet.

Description

Handle remote control

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle remote control attached to the handle of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0002] Communication devices attached to the helmets of motorcycles and bicycles, which enable hands-free calling and listening to voice guidance of a navigation system during driving, are known. This communication device is generally called an "incoming call device" or a "headset".

[0003] As an example of the communication device for helmets, Patent Document 1 discloses a headset including a main body, a left speaker, a right speaker, and a microphone. The main body includes an external input / output unit capable of wireless connection to a wireless terminal such as a smartphone, and a battery is built therein. When attaching this headset to a helmet, operations such as fixing the main body to the outer surface of the helmet, placing the microphone near the mouth of the helmet wearer, attaching the left speaker and the right speaker inside the helmet respectively, and connecting each speaker to the main body with a cable are required.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-120313

[0005] In the headset of Patent Document 1, since various operations such as changing the speaker volume are performed by operating a switch on the main body or operating a screen of a wireless terminal connected to the main body, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform during driving.

[0006] Therefore, as an example of the problem to be solved by the present invention, there is provided a handle remote control that can be operated while touching the handle of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0007] The present invention is a handle remote control attached to the handle of a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising an annular handle attachment portion, a substrate accommodation portion provided on the outer periphery of the handle attachment portion and accommodating a circuit board, and an operation reception portion covering the substrate accommodation portion, wherein the operation reception portion is formed such that the distance from the inner periphery of the handle attachment portion increases from one end side to the other end side of the operation reception portion in the circumferential direction of the handle attachment portion.

[0008] This figure shows an example of mounting a communication device, which is an example of an object operated by the handle remote control of the present invention, to a helmet. This figure shows another example of mounting the communication device to a helmet as shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view of only the communication device shown in Figure 1. This is a front view of the communication device shown in Figure 3. This is a plan view of the communication device shown in Figure 3. This is a diagram showing the device body and fixing parts of the communication device shown in Figure 3 separated, showing the rear side of the device body. This is a view of the device body and fixing parts shown in Figure 6 from below. This is a perspective view of the handle remote control according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is an exploded view of the handle remote control shown in Figure 8. This is a front view of the handle remote control shown in Figure 8. This is a plan view of the handle remote control shown in Figure 8. This is a left side view of the handle remote control shown in Figure 8. This is a right side view of the handle remote control shown in Figure 8. This is a perspective view of the handle remote control according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This is a plan view of the handle remote control according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a plan view of the handle remote control according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This is a front view of the handle remote control according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The handle remote control according to one embodiment of the present invention is a handle remote control that is attached to the handle of a motorcycle, and has an annular handle mounting portion, a circuit board housing portion provided on the outer circumference of the handle mounting portion and housing a circuit board, and an operation receiving portion covering the circuit board housing portion. This handle remote control can be operated while touching the handle of the motorcycle. Furthermore, the operation receiving portion is formed such that the distance from the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion increases from one end to the other end in the circumferential direction of the handle mounting portion. As a result the operation receiving portion has a planar shape, which improves visibility for the motorcycle driver.

[0010] The battery of the steering wheel remote control is housed on the side corresponding to the other end of the operation receiver in the circuit board housing. This allows for effective use of space within the circuit board housing and prevents the circuit board housing from becoming excessively large.

[0011] The aforementioned handle remote control has a spacer formed in the circuit board housing portion to partially increase the distance between the battery and the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion. This allows the battery to be positioned along the circuit board.

[0012] The spacer is formed to gradually increase the distance between the battery and the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion in the direction from one end to the other end of the operating receiver portion. This allows the battery to be positioned along the circuit board.

[0013] The aforementioned handle remote control has multiple circuit boards, and these multiple circuit boards are arranged in directions that intersect each other along the circumferential direction of the handle mounting portion. This allows for effective use of the space within the circuit board housing and prevents the circuit board housing from becoming too large.

[0014] The aforementioned operation receiving section has a plurality of operating elements and protrusions formed at the boundaries between the plurality of operating elements. This allows the operating elements to be recognized by touch without having to search for them visually. It also makes it easier to recognize the operating elements even when wearing gloves.

[0015] The aforementioned operation receiving section includes an operating element and a projection formed on at least a portion of the outer circumference of the operating element. This allows the operating element to be recognized by touch without having to search for it visually. It also makes it easier to recognize the operating element even when wearing gloves.

[0016] The aforementioned operation receiving section has multiple controls, and when viewed from above the operation receiving section, the multiple controls are arranged diagonally or in an arc shape with respect to the circumferential direction of the handle mounting section. This makes it easier to operate the multiple controls with the thumb while holding the handlebars of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an example of mounting a communication device 10, which is an example of an object operated by the handle remote control of the present invention, to a helmet 100. Figure 2 shows another example of mounting the communication device 10 to the helmet 100 as shown in Figure 1. The communication device 10 is intended to be used when mounted on a helmet of a motorcycle or bicycle (i.e., a two-wheeled vehicle). The following describes the case in which the communication device 10 is mounted on a helmet 100 worn by a motorcycle driver.

[0018] The helmet 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a full-face helmet. The helmet 100 comprises a shell 101, a liner 102 attached to the inside of the shell 101, and a shield 103 rotatably attached to the shell 101. An opening 104 is formed on the front of the shell 101 and the liner 102. The shield 103 is rotatably attached to the shell 101, with a position that covers the opening 104 and a position that leaves the opening 104 open.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 1, the communication device 10 is attached to the bottom surface 104a of the opening 104. When the helmet 100 shown in Figure 1 is worn, the communication device 10 is positioned in front of the wearer's nose. In the example shown in Figure 2, the communication device 10 is attached to the top surface 104b of the opening 104. When the helmet 100 shown in Figure 2 is worn, the communication device 10 is positioned in front of the wearer's forehead. Also, in the example shown in Figure 2, the communication device 10 is attached to the top surface 104b of the opening 104 in an inverted orientation compared to Figure 1.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the communication device 10 comprises a first part 1, a second part 2, a third part 3, and a plurality of fixing parts 4, 5, and 6. The second part 2 is angle-adjustable in connection with the first part 1. The third part 3 is angle-adjustable in connection with the first part 1 on the opposite side from where the second part 2 is connected. The assembly of these interconnected first part 1, second part 2, and third part 3 is referred to as the "device body 7". The fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 are components that allow the device body 7 to be detachably attached and fixed to the helmet 100.

[0021] The first part 1 consists of a block-shaped case 11 made of synthetic resin, which houses a microphone 12, a secondary battery 13, a communication unit 14, and the like. The case 11 has a front 11F, a back 11R opposite to the front 11F, a top 11T, a bottom 11B opposite to the top 11T, a left side 11LS, and a right side 11RS opposite to the left side 11LS.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the front surface 11F of case 11 is a convex curved surface in plan view. That is, the central part of the front surface 11F of case 11 protrudes more than the left side surface 11LS and the right side surface 11RS. As a result, when the communication device 10 is mounted so that the front surface 11F faces the front of the helmet 100, the airflow from the front is directed to the rear, thereby suppressing the increase in air resistance during riding and preventing the device body 7 from detaching from the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6. In addition, by making the front surface 11F a convex curved surface, the first part 1 can be matched to the curved shape of the helmet 100.

[0023] Furthermore, if a manufacturer or brand logo is to be provided on the front surface 11F of the case 11, the logo component may be manufactured separately from the case 11, and a logo component mounting portion may be formed on the front surface 11F of the case 11. In that case, it is preferable to form the logo component mounting portion so that the logo component can be detachably attached in a first orientation and a second orientation which is upside down. The logo component mounting portion is composed of, for example, grooves or holes. In this way, in the mounting example shown in Figure 1, the logo component can be attached to the front surface 11F of the case 11 in the first orientation, and in the mounting example shown in Figure 2, the logo component can be attached to the front surface 11F of the case 11 in the second orientation. Note that in this example, no logo component mounting portion is formed on the case 11.

[0024] The microphone 12 is primarily for collecting the voice of the person wearing the helmet 100. As shown in Figure 6, an opening 11a leading to the microphone 12 for sound collection is formed on the back surface 11R of the case 11. A waterproof and breathable membrane may be provided over the opening 11a for waterproofing.

[0025] The secondary battery 13 supplies power to each electronic component of the communication device 10. As shown in Figure 6, a USB port 16 for charging the secondary battery 13 is provided on the back surface 11R of the case 11.

[0026] The communication unit 14 communicates wirelessly with devices such as smartphones using Bluetooth® or the like. The communication unit 14 sends audio signals collected by the microphone 12 to the device and receives audio signals (call audio, navigation voice guidance, music, etc.) from the device.

[0027] In addition, as shown in Figure 6, the rear surface 11R of the case 11 is provided with stereo signal channel switching switches 17 and 18 and a speaker expansion terminal 19. The top surface 11T of the case 11 is provided with a multifunction button 15. The multifunction button 15 can function, for example, as a button to turn on the voice control function (voice recognition function) of a smartphone. By activating the voice control function when the multifunction button 15 is operated, the timing for voice recognition can be identified on the smartphone's application software side, reducing the occurrence of malfunctions due to wind noise, engine noise, or ambient noise. Also, pressing and holding the multifunction button 15 (for example, for 3 seconds or more) turns the power of the communication device 10 ON / OFF. The bottom surface 11B of the case 11 is provided with sliding parts 71 and 72, which are locking structures with the fixing part 4, and are integrated with the case 11.

[0028] The USB port 16 and speaker expansion terminal 19 mentioned above may be covered with an elastic material when not in use. This can improve water resistance.

[0029] Thus, the first part 1 has channel switching switches 17 and 18, a speaker expansion terminal 19, and an opening 11a on the rear surface 11R of the case 11, while these are not provided on the front surface 11F. This configuration, like having a convex curved surface on the front surface 11F, can suppress the increase in air resistance during driving.

[0030] In this specification, terms such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used to describe the direction of the communication device 10, based on its mounting position on the helmet 100 as shown in Figure 1. These terms are for convenience in describing the structure of the communication device 10 and do not necessarily correspond to the direction in which it is actually used. For example, in the mounting example shown in Figure 2, the top surface 11T of the case 11 is located at the bottom, and the bottom surface 11B of the case 11 is located at the top. Also, the left side surface 11LS and the right side surface 11RS of the case 11 are in the opposite positions compared to Figure 1.

[0031] The second part 2 consists of a speaker 22 housed in a block-shaped case 21 made of synthetic resin. The case 21 is rotatably connected to the left side 11LS of the case 11 by pins 20, which are shown by dashed lines in Figures 3, 5, and 6. More specifically, the case 21 and the case 11 are provided with pin insertion holes, and the pins 20 are inserted through these pin insertion holes to rotatably connect the case 21 to the case 11. Multiple holes 21a are formed on the back of the case 21 for emitting sound from the speaker 22. A magnet 23 for attracting the fixing part 5 is attached to the bottom surface of the case 21.

[0032] The third part 3 consists of a speaker 32 housed in a block-shaped case 31 made of synthetic resin. The case 31 is rotatably connected to the right side 11RS of the case 11 by pins 30, which are shown by dashed lines in Figures 3, 5, and 6. More specifically, the case 31 and the case 11 are provided with pin insertion holes, and the pins 30 are inserted through these pin insertion holes to rotatably connect the case 31 to the case 11. Multiple holes 31a for emitting sound from the speaker 32 are formed on the back of the case 31. A magnet 33 for attracting the fixing part 6 is attached to the bottom surface of the case 31.

[0033] As described above, the communication device 10 in this example is equipped with two speakers 22 and 32 on both the left and right sides of the first part 1, enabling stereo playback. As shown in Figure 1, when the communication device 10 is mounted on the bottom surface 104a of the opening 104, operating the channel switching switch 17 sets the left channel signal of the stereo signal to be output from speaker 22 and the right channel signal to be output from speaker 32. As shown in Figure 2, when the communication device 10 is mounted on the top surface 104b of the opening 104, operating the channel switching switch 18 sets the left channel signal of the stereo signal to be output from speaker 32 and the right channel signal to be output from speaker 22.

[0034] The fixing part 4 is made of synthetic resin. As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the fixing part 4 has a plate portion 40 that is placed on the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b of the opening 104 of the helmet 100, and a rail portion 41 and a locking portion 42 provided on the upper surface 40a of the plate portion 40. Double-sided tape is attached to the lower surface 40b of the plate portion 40, and the plate portion 40 is fixed to the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b via the double-sided tape.

[0035] The rail section 41 has parallel sections 41a and 41b extending parallel to each other in the left-right direction, parallel sections 41c and 41d extending parallel to each other in the left-right direction, and a connecting section 41e connecting the ends of the parallel sections 41c and 41d. Parallel section 41c is located on the extension of parallel section 41a, and parallel sections 41a and 41c are spaced apart. Similarly, parallel section 41d is located on the extension of parallel section 41b, and parallel sections 41b and 41d are spaced apart.

[0036] The locking portion 42 is a projection that protrudes from the upper surface 40a of the plate portion 40 and is provided between the parallel portions 41a and 41b. A notch 43 is formed around the locking portion 42 by cutting out the plate portion 40. This allows the locking portion 42 to be displaced in the thickness direction of the plate portion 40.

[0037] The sliding portion 72, provided on the lower surface 11B of the case 11, engages with the parallel portions 41a and 41b and slides left and right between the parallel portions 41a and 41b. The sliding portion 72 also slides from the left side to the right side of the locking portion 42 and overtakes the locking portion 42, thereby locking into the locking portion 42. In other words, the position of the locking portion 42 to the left of the sliding portion 72 restricts the movement of the first part 1 to the left. Thus, the sliding portion 72 also functions as a "lock receiving portion".

[0038] The sliding portion 71, provided on the lower surface 11B of the case 11, engages with the parallel portions 41c and 41d and slides left and right between the parallel portions 41c and 41d. With the sliding portion 72 locked to the locking portion 42, the connecting portion 41e is located to the right of the sliding portion 71. This restricts the movement of the first part 1 to the right.

[0039] The fixing part 5 is made of a magnetic material that is attracted to a magnet 23 attached to the lower surface of the case 21. The fixing part 5 has a first plate portion 51 that contacts and is attracted to the magnet 23, and a second plate portion 52 that is connected to the first plate portion 51 and bent from the first plate portion 51. In this example, the second plate portion 52 is bent perpendicular to the first plate portion 51. The upper surface 51a of the first plate portion 51 is in contact with the magnet 23. Double-sided tape is attached to the lower surface 51b of the first plate portion 51, and the first plate portion 51 is fixed to the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b via the double-sided tape. The second plate portion 52 is inserted into the gap between the shell 101 and the liner 102 from the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b of the opening 104. In this way, the fixing part 5 is fixed to the helmet 100 by the first plate portion 51 being fixed to the bottom surface 104a or the top surface 104b via double-sided tape, and the second plate portion 52 being inserted between the shell 101 and the liner 102.

[0040] Fixing part 6 is made of the same material as fixing part 5 and has the same shape and size as fixing part 5. For the sake of explanation, fixing part 5 and fixing part 6 are given different reference numerals. Fixing part 6 is made of a magnetic material that is attracted to a magnet 33 attached to the lower surface of case 31. Fixing part 3 has a first plate portion 61 that contacts and is attracted to the magnet 33, and a second plate portion 62 that is connected to the first plate portion 61 and bent perpendicularly to the first plate portion 61. The upper surface 61a of the first plate portion 61 is in contact with the magnet 33. Double-sided tape is attached to the lower surface 61b of the first plate portion 61, and the first plate portion 61 is fixed to the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b via the double-sided tape. The second plate portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the shell 101 and the liner 102 from the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b of the opening 104. In this way, the fixing part 6 is fixed to the helmet 100 by the first plate portion 61 being fixed to the bottom surface 104a or the top surface 104b via double-sided tape, and the second plate portion 62 being inserted between the shell 101 and the liner 102.

[0041] When the communication device 10 with the above configuration is first attached to the helmet 100, the fixing part 4 is locked to the first part 1, the fixing part 5 is attached to the second part 2 by suction, and the fixing part 6 is attached to the third part by suction, and then the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 are fixed to the bottom surface 104a or top surface 104b of the opening 104, respectively, using double-sided tape. This initial attachment process does not require any tools and can be performed very easily. After that, while the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 remain fixed to the helmet 100, the device body 7 (assembly of the first part 1, second part 2, and third part 3) can be detached from the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6, and only the device body 7 can be removed from the helmet 100. This detachment and reattachment of the device body 7 from the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 can also be performed very easily by sliding operation without the need for any tools. Furthermore, as described above, the communication device 10 offers high convenience when charging the secondary battery 13 because the device body 7 can be easily removed from the helmet 100. Furthermore, by preparing multiple helmets with the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 already attached, the main unit of the device 7 can be easily swapped from one helmet to another.

[0042] In addition, the bottom surface 104a and the top surface 104b of the opening 104 of the helmet 100 are curved. In contrast, the communication device 10 can be attached by adjusting the angles of the second part 2 and the third part 3 along this curve because the second part 2 and the third part 3 are connected to the first part 1 in an angle-adjustable manner. Therefore, the communication device 10 can be housed inside the shield 103 without hindering the opening and closing of the shield 103. Furthermore, since the second part 2 and the third part 3 can be adjusted in angle with respect to the first part 1, the versatility can be improved in that the device body 7 can be attached to various helmets with different shapes.

[0043] In addition, the communication device 10 has a meshing and locking structure between the rail part 41 and the slide parts 71, 72, and a locking structure between the slide part 72 and the lock part 42, by which the first part 1 and the fixed part 4 are locked to each other. This locking structure is particularly suitable for attaching the communication device 10 to the helmet 100. That is, since the rail part 41 extends in the left-right direction of the helmet 100, the slide parts 71, 72 do not come off the rail part 41 even when a large wind pressure is received from the front during the running of the motorcycle, and the device body 7 is stably held.

[0044] As described above, the communication device 10 applies the meshing and locking structure between the rail part 41 and the slide parts 71, 72 and the locking structure between the slide part 72 and the lock part 42 for the locking between the central first part 1 and the fixed part 4, applies the magnet 23 for the attachment between the second part 2 and the fixed part 5, and applies the magnet 33 for the attachment between the third part and the fixed part 6, so that the attachment strength to the helmet 100 and the ease of attachment to the helmet 100 can be compatible. When priority is given to the ease of attachment to the helmet 100, the locking structure between the first part 1 and the fixed part 4 may be changed to one using a magnet.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication device 10 is attached to the full-face type helmet 100 has been described. However, this communication device 10 can also be attached to a jet type helmet or a half helmet. In that case, it is attached to the front edge of the helmet (the portion corresponding to the top surface 104b of the opening 104 of the helmet 100 in FIG. 2, which is the portion in front of the wearer's forehead) as in the attachment example of FIG. 2.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the pin 20 is inserted into the pin insertion holes provided in the case 21 and the case 11, and the case 21 is rotatably connected to the case 11. However, alternatively, the case 21 may be rotatably connected to the case 11 using a hinge. The same applies to the connection between the case 31 and the case 11, and the case 31 may be rotatably connected to the case 11 using a hinge.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the communication device 10 includes a plurality of fixing parts 4, 5, and 6. However, in the communication device of the present invention, the fixing parts are not an essential configuration, and at least one or all of the fixing parts 4, 5, and 6 may be omitted, and the device main body 7 may be attached to the helmet using an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the communication device 10 includes the second part 2 and the third part 3 on both the left and right sides of the first part 1. That is, two speakers 22 and 32 are provided on both the left and right sides of the first part 1. However, in the communication device of the present invention, the two speakers are not an essential configuration, and at least one speaker may be provided. For example, the communication device may include the above-described first part 1 and second part 2 and not include the third part 3, or may include the above-described first part 1 and third part 3 and not include the second part 2. Further, the communication device may not have a structure in which the first part, the second part, and the third part are connected, but may have a box shape of an integral structure.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, the first part 1 is provided with the multi-function button 15. However, alternatively, the second part 2 or the third part 3 may be provided with the multi-function button 15.

[0050] In the embodiment described above, the secondary battery 13 was provided in the first part 1, but the secondary battery 13 may also be provided in the second part 2 or the third part 3.

[0051] Next, a handle remote control according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 13. The handle remote control 200 shown in Figures 8 to 13 is intended to be attached to the handlebars of a motorcycle or bicycle (i.e., a two-wheeled vehicle). This handle remote control 200 can function, for example, as a remote control for the communication device 10 described above. That is, the handle remote control 200 can communicate with the communication device 10 via a wireless connection.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the handle remote control 200 includes an annular handle mounting portion 201, a circuit board housing portion 203 provided on the outer circumference of the handle mounting portion 201 and housing a plurality of circuit boards 204, 205 and a battery 291, an operation receiving portion 206 covering the circuit board housing portion 203, and an adjustment ring 202 mounted on the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion 201.

[0053] The handle mounting portion 201 is made of synthetic resin and has a cylindrical portion 210 and a base portion 211 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 210. The amount of protrusion of the base portion 211 is formed to be approximately constant from one end to the other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 210. A base plate housing portion 203 is attached to the base portion 211. A part of the handle mounting portion 201 in the circumferential direction is cut out, and its diameter is reduced when the bolt 292 and nut 293 shown in Figure 9 are fastened.

[0054] The adjustment ring 202 is made of synthetic resin and is formed in a partially cylindrical shape with a portion cut out. When the bolt 292 and nut 293 are fastened, the adjustment ring 202 is also reduced in diameter. By preparing multiple adjustment rings 202 of different thicknesses (i.e., different inner diameters) and attaching the adjustment ring 202 corresponding to the size of the handle to the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion 201, the handle mounting portion 201 can be fitted to the handle.

[0055] When attaching the handlebar remote control 200 to the handlebars of a motorcycle, attach the adjustment ring 202 to the inner circumference of the handlebar mounting part 201, loosen the bolt 292, pass the handlebar through the inside of the adjustment ring 202, and then tighten the bolt 292 to attach it. The adjustment ring 202 is not a mandatory component and may be omitted if not needed.

[0056] The substrate housing section 203 is made of synthetic resin and has a bottom wall 230 superimposed on the base section 211 and a peripheral wall 231 erected from the outer edge of the bottom wall 230. The depth of the substrate housing section 203 (i.e., the height of the peripheral wall 231) is formed so that it gradually increases in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210 from one end to the other.

[0057] A mounting hole 233 for the operator 280 is formed at one end of the peripheral wall 231. The operator 280 is housed within the substrate housing 203, with a portion of it positioned outside the substrate housing 203 through the mounting hole 233. In other words, the operator 280 is provided so as to be able to protrude from and retract from the substrate housing 203. A sealing member 295 is provided between the mounting hole 233 and the operator 280. The operator 280 can function as an ON / OFF switch for the steering wheel remote control 200.

[0058] A through-hole 232 for inserting and removing the battery 291 is formed at the other end of the peripheral wall 231. The through-hole 232 is covered with a removable battery cover 294. The battery 291 in this example is a button-type rechargeable battery.

[0059] A circuit board 204 is housed at one end of the board housing section 203 (the side with the operator 280), and a circuit board 205 and a battery 291 are housed at the other end of the board housing section 203 (the side with the battery cover 294). The battery 291 is positioned between the bottom wall 230 and the circuit board 205 and is connected to the circuit board 205. The circuit boards 204 and 205 are arranged in directions that intersect each other, along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210.

[0060] Spacers 234 are formed in the substrate housing section 203 to partially increase the distance between the battery 291 and the inner circumference of the cylindrical section 210. In this example, as shown in Figure 9, two spacers 234 are integrally formed with the bottom wall 230. Each spacer 234 is formed to gradually increase the distance between the battery 291 and the inner circumference of the cylindrical section 210 in the direction from one end (operator 280 side) to the other end (battery cover 294 side). This allows the battery 291 to be positioned along the circuit board 205.

[0061] The handlebars of a motorcycle have limited space for mounting the handlebar remote control 200, and a larger handlebar remote control 200 would interfere with driving. In this example, the above configuration effectively utilizes the space within the circuit board housing 203 and suppresses the enlargement of the circuit board housing 203. Specifically, multiple circuit boards 204 and 205 are used and arranged in intersecting directions along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 210, thereby minimizing dead space in the circuit board housing 203. The circuit board 205 and battery 291 are housed at the other end of the circuit board housing 203, which is formed to be deeper from one end to the other. Furthermore, a thin button cell battery is used for the battery 291. These measures suppress the enlargement of the circuit board housing 203.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the operation receiving section 206 includes a plate portion 207 that closes the opening surrounded by the peripheral wall 231 of the substrate housing section 203, a plurality of operators 281, 282, 283, protrusions 284, 285, key inners 261, 262, 263, and a cushion 264.

[0063] The plate portion 207 is made of synthetic resin and has through holes 271, 272, and 273 formed therein. The operators 281, 282, and 283 and the protrusions 284 and 285 are located on the upper side of the plate portion 207 (opposite the circuit boards 204 and 205). Multiple cushions 264 are placed between the plate portion 207 and the operators 281, 282, and 283. Each cushion 264 is made of sponge and is bonded to the plate portion 207.

[0064] The key inner 261 is positioned between the circuit board 204 and the plate portion 207, and a portion of it is passed through a through hole 271 and engaged with the operator 281. Similarly, the key inner 262 is positioned between the circuit board 204 and the plate portion 207, and a portion of it is passed through a through hole 272 and engaged with the operator 282. The key inner 263 is positioned between the circuit board 205 and the plate portion 207, and a portion of it is passed through a through hole 273 and engaged with the operator 283. When the operators 281, 282, and 283 are pressed, the switches on the circuit boards 204 and 205 are turned ON via the key inners 261, 262, and 263.

[0065] The control element 281 can function as a button to increase the volume of the speakers 22 and 32 of the communication device 10. The control element 283 can function as a button to decrease the volume of the speakers 22 and 32 of the communication device 10. The control element 282 can function as a button that performs the same role as the multifunction button 15 of the communication device 10. Furthermore, the function assignment of the control element 282 can be set by the user (it is possible to set the function assignment to be the same as the multifunction button 15 or to a different function using an application, etc.).

[0066] The projection 284 is positioned between the operator 281 and the operator 282, that is, at the boundary between the operator 281 and the operator 282. The projection 284 extends in a rib-like manner in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operators 281 and 282 are aligned. The projection 284 protrudes above the operators 281 and 282 (on the opposite side from the plate portion 207).

[0067] The projection 285 is positioned between the operator 282 and the operator 283, that is, at the boundary between the operator 282 and the operator 283. The projection 285 extends in a rib-like manner in a direction perpendicular to the alignment of the operators 282 and 283. The projection 285 protrudes above the operators 282 and 283 (on the opposite side from the plate portion 207).

[0068] These protrusions 284 and 285 allow the operators 281, 282, and 283 to be recognized by touch without having to search for them visually. Furthermore, the operators 281, 282, and 283 are easier to recognize even when wearing gloves. In this example, the protrusions 284 and 285 are made of translucent resin and are designed to transmit light from the LEDs mounted on the circuit boards 204 and 205. This makes it easier to recognize the location of the operators 281, 282, and 283 even at night or in tunnels.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the operation receiving section 206 is formed such that, in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210, the distance from the inner circumference of the cylindrical section 210 increases from one end to the other. This results in a planar shape for the operation receiving section 206, improving visibility for the motorcycle rider. In other words, as shown in Figure 11, the handle remote control 200 in this example allows the three operators 281, 282, and 283 to be visible when viewed from above. Also, when viewed from above, the three operators 281, 282, and 283 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210 (indicated by the dashed line D1).

[0070] Such a handlebar remote control 200 can be operated while touching the handlebars of a motorcycle. In other words, it can be operated without directly touching the communication device 10 attached to the helmet 100. Therefore, various operations of the communication device 10 can be safely performed while riding the motorcycle.

[0071] Next, a steering wheel remote control according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 14. In Figure 14, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the previously described embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0072] The handle remote control 200B shown in Figure 14 has an operation receiving section 206B that has protrusions 286 surrounding each of the control elements 281, 282, and 283, instead of the protrusions 284 and 285 of Embodiment 1. This allows the control elements to be recognized by touch without having to search for them visually. It also makes it easier to recognize the control elements even when wearing gloves.

[0073] As described above, the operation receiving section 206B in this example has projections 286 surrounding each of the operators 281, 282, and 283. That is, projections 286 are formed on the entire outer circumference of each of the operators 281, 282, and 283. In the present invention, projections may or may not be present on the entire outer circumference of the operators, and the projections on the outer circumference of the operators may be interrupted. That is, it is sufficient to have projections formed on at least a part of the outer circumference of the operators.

[0074] Next, a steering wheel remote control according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 15. In Figure 15, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the previously described embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0075] The handle remote control 200C shown in Figure 15 is intended to be mounted on the left handlebar H of a motorcycle. The operation receiving section 206C of this handle remote control 200C has three operating elements 281, 282, and 283 arranged in the direction of the dashed line D2 when viewed from above, and are arranged diagonally with respect to the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210 shown by the dashed line D1. This makes it easier to operate the three operating elements 281, 282, and 283 with the thumb while gripping the handlebar H of the motorcycle. In other words, from a position where the handlebar H is gripped with the four fingers other than the thumb, any of the operating elements 281, 282, and 283 can be pressed with the thumb without changing the grip.

[0076] Next, a steering wheel remote control according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 16. In Figure 16, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the previously described embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0077] The handle remote control 200D shown in Figure 16 is intended to be mounted on the left handlebar H of a motorcycle. The operation receiving section 206D of this handle remote control 200D has three operating elements 287, 288, and 289 arranged in the direction of the arc-shaped dashed line D3 when viewed from above, and arranged in an arc with respect to the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210 shown by the dashed line D1. This makes it easier to operate the three operating elements 287, 288, and 289 with the thumb while gripping the handlebar H of the motorcycle. In other words, from a position where the handlebar H is gripped with the four fingers other than the thumb, any of the operating elements 287, 288, and 289 can be pressed with the thumb without changing the grip.

[0078] Next, a steering wheel remote control according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 17. In Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the previously described embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] The handle remote control 200E shown in Figure 17 differs from Embodiment 1 in its base portion 211E of the handle mounting portion 201E and its circuit board housing portion 203E. The base portion 211E is formed such that its protrusion gradually increases from one end to the other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 210. The depth of the circuit board housing portion 203E is formed to be approximately constant from one end to the other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 210.

[0080] Similar to Embodiment 1, the operation receiving section 206 is formed such that, in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical section 210, the distance from the inner circumference of the cylindrical section 210 increases from one end to the other. This results in the operation receiving section 206 having a planar shape, improving visibility for the motorcyclist.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the handle remote control is used as a remote control for a helmet communication device was explained. However, the handle remote control of the present invention can be used not only as a remote control for a helmet communication device, but also as a remote control for communication devices such as smartphones. Furthermore, the handle remote control of the present invention can also be used as a remote control for devices other than communication devices.

[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are also included. The embodiments shown in each of the above figures can be combined as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose and configuration. Furthermore, each figure can be an independent embodiment, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a single embodiment that combines each figure.

[0083] 1. First part 2. Second part 3. Third part 4, 5, 6. Fixing parts 7. Main unit 10. Communication device 12. Microphone 22, 32. Speaker 200, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E. Handle remote control 201, 201E. Handle mounting section 203, 203E. Circuit board housing section 206, 206B, 206C, 206D. Operation reception section

Claims

1. A handle remote control for attachment to the handlebars of a motorcycle, comprising: an annular handle mounting portion; a circuit board housing portion provided on the outer circumference of the handle mounting portion and housing a circuit board; and an operation receiving portion covering the circuit board housing portion, wherein the operation receiving portion is formed such that, in the circumferential direction of the handle mounting portion, the distance from the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion increases from one end to the other end of the operation receiving portion.

2. The steering wheel remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery is housed on the side of the circuit board housing that corresponds to the other end of the operation receiving portion.

3. The handle remote control according to claim 2, characterized in that a spacer is formed in the substrate housing portion to partially increase the distance between the battery and the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion.

4. The handle remote control according to claim 3, characterized in that the spacer is formed to gradually increase the distance between the battery and the inner circumference of the handle mounting portion in the direction from one end to the other end of the operation receiving portion.

5. The handle remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of circuit boards, and these plurality of circuit boards are arranged in directions that intersect each other along the circumferential direction of the handle mounting portion.

6. The steering wheel remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation receiving section has a plurality of operating elements and a projection formed at the boundary portion of the plurality of operating elements.

7. The handle remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation receiving section has an operating element and a projection formed on at least a part of the outer circumference of the operating element.

8. The handle remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation receiving unit has a plurality of operating elements, and when viewed from above the operation receiving unit, the plurality of operating elements are arranged diagonally or in an arc shape with respect to the circumferential direction of the handle mounting unit.

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