WO2026004380A1 - Operation device - Google Patents

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

This disclosure relates to an operating device that is attached to the handle of a mobile object having a grip that is grasped by a user and receives operational inputs, and in particular, to reducing the device's size and improving operability for the user holding the grip.

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 multiple operation buttons operably combined with the frame member. The upper surfaces of the multiple operation buttons form part of the upper surface of the cover.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-187419

The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of preventing the operating device from becoming too large 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 buttons closer to their body to make it easier for them to operate in a comfortable position. For example, on an electrically assisted bicycle, when the user dismounts from the saddle, which serves as the driver's seat, and activates the second mode, which is a push-walk or self-propelled mode, the operating button closest to the user's body may be used as the second mode execution button. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, of the multiple operating buttons sandwiched between the case and its upper cover, the operating button located closest to the driver's seat could be used as the second mode execution button. However, the operating surface of this operating button faces either horizontally toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction or tilted downward relative to the vertical direction, and the operating button must be pressed horizontally toward the front, leaving room for improvement in terms of improving operability.

It is also possible to extend the entire user-side end of the frame member significantly toward the rear and place operation buttons with operation surfaces facing vertically upwards above it, but this would increase the size of the frame member, which would result in an increase in the size of the operation device. Furthermore, simply providing operation buttons facing vertically upwards leaves room for improvement in terms of improving operability for the user holding the grip.

The purpose of this disclosure is to prevent an operating device attached to the handle of a moving object from becoming too large and to improve operability for a user holding the grip.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a mobile object. The mobile object has a handle with a grip that is gripped by a user. The operating device is attached to the handle and receives operation inputs. The operating device includes a case attached to the handle and a cover that covers the case. 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 forms part of the outer shell of the cover. The plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button located on the user side. The frame member has a protruding portion that protrudes from a portion of the edge on the user side. The second operation button has an operation 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.

In the operating device according to the present disclosure, a protrusion that protrudes toward the user is formed on the frame member, allowing the second operating button to be positioned above that protrusion. This improves the operability of the second operating button when the user is holding the grip, and also prevents the operating device from becoming too large, as there is no need for the entire user-side end of the frame member to protrude significantly toward the user.

1 is a diagram showing an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a moving body to which an operating device according to an embodiment is attached; FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1A. 1B is a diagram showing the handlebars of the electrically assisted bicycle shown in FIG. 1A in a straight forward position, as viewed from above. 1D is an enlarged view of the operating device removed from the power-assisted bicycle of FIG. 1C, viewed from above in the vertical direction. FIG. 3 is a view of the operating device of FIG. 2 as seen from the grip tip side along the axial direction of the grip of the left handle. 3 is a view of the operating device of FIG. 2 as seen from the driver's seat side in a first direction perpendicular to the grip axis direction and the vertical direction. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5A. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the protruding portion of the frame member shown in FIG. 2, with the first operation button and the second operation button omitted; FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device of FIG. 2 . 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the case shown in FIG. 7 to which a press detector for detecting the operation of a second operation button is attached. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second operation button as seen from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first operation button as seen from below. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part D in FIG. 2 as viewed obliquely from the front. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the portion including the power button in FIG. 11 taken at the center in the height direction of the power button. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 when the operating device of the embodiment is attached to an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a moving body, and is used by rotating the operating device 45 degrees in the first direction X1. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 4 in the state of use. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the handlebars of another example of an electrically assisted bicycle, which is a moving body to which the operating device according to the embodiment is attached, viewed from above in a straight-ahead position. FIG.

The following provides a detailed explanation 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 explanatory purposes and can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the moving body. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals are used to designate equivalent elements in all drawings. Furthermore, in the explanations provided in the main text, previously mentioned reference numerals will be used as necessary.

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 exemplified in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a sports bicycle, a folding bicycle, etc. In the following description, up/down, left/right, and front/rear refer to the up/down, left/right, and front/rear directions when the bicycle is standing in a straight-ahead position, which is the same position as when riding straight ahead. For example, up means the upper side in the vertical direction when in a straight-ahead position. In the following figures, the top 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.

Furthermore, while the following description will be given assuming that the moving body is an electrically assisted bicycle, the moving body 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 modified. For example, the other vehicle may be an electric motorcycle that is self-propelled solely by the driving force of the electric motor, or a bicycle that is propelled solely by human-powered driving force based on pedal force.

Furthermore, the saddle 5 side, which is the driver's seat side, or the user's side, is indicated by X1, and the opposite side of the saddle 5, which is the anti-user's side, is indicated by X1a. In this specification, the user's side refers to the user's side when the user is riding on the vehicle. More specifically, in this specification, the user's side, driver's seat side, or saddle 5 side refers to the saddle 5 side, which is the user's side, or the driver's seat side, in the first direction X1, X1a, which is perpendicular 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).

Furthermore, the following description will be given of the case where the operating device 30 is attached to the left side of the handle as one side of the handle, but it may also be attached to the right side of the handle as one side of the handle.

1A, the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is capable of operating in 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) riding on it. The "first mode" is a mode in which the bicycle is propelled by adding a first auxiliary power output from the electric motor 12 depending on 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 while walking, 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 while being supported by a person by adding a second auxiliary power output from the electric motor 12 to the body. Like the push-walking mode, the self-propelled mode is executed when the 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 mounted on the grip 4a (FIG. 1C) or the like may detect the force applied to the front of the bicycle, and the magnitude of the force may be used to distinguish between the "pushing-walking mode" and the "self-propelled mode." The power-assisted bicycle 1 of this embodiment may also be executed as the second mode without distinguishing between the "pushing-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, which is an operation unit, and a press detection unit that detects the operation of the second operation button 81.

The electrically assisted bicycle 1 comprises a frame 2, which serves as the 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 first mode is executed, the electrically assisted bicycle 1 assists the force (pedaling force) exerted by the user on the pedals 7 with an electric motor 12 (Figure 1B) of the motor unit 11. In this embodiment, the pedaling force of the pedals 7 and the output of the electric motor 12 are transmitted to the rear wheel 3b via a chain 8.

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

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 the 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.

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.

The chainstays 2e are pipes that connect the seat stays 2f and the bottom bracket. Like the chainstays 2e, there are two seat stays 2f, one on each side, sandwiching the rear wheel 3b from either side. The rear wheel 3b is rotatably supported at the rear end of the chainstays 2e.

The crank arms 6 and pedals 7 attached to one end 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 also has 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, the power output from the electric motor 12 is transmitted to the drive sprocket via a reduction gear or the like, and then to the rear wheel 3b via the chain 8.

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

As shown in FIG. 1B below, 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 per unit time of the crankshaft. 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.

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

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

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 a variety of configurations as long as it is driven by power supplied from the battery 10.

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 3a or rear wheel 3b.

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

The first mode is executed when the power switch 100 is turned on and the user depresses the pedals 7. For example, the first mode is executed when the user rides the electrically assisted bicycle 1 and depresses the pedals 7, and the pedaling 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, a control signal is output from the control device 20 to the drive circuit 21, and the drive circuit 21 performs a switching operation based on this control signal, thereby changing the amount of current supplied to the electric motor 12. This controls the output of the electric motor 12.

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.

The operating device 30 attached to the handlebar 4 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 will be described in detail using Figures 1C to 12. As shown in Figure 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. Figure 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.

In this example, with reference to Figure 1C, we will explain an up-type handlebar in which both left and right sides of the handlebar 4 are inclined so that they extend upward from the left-right center, where the stem 13 is attached, to the left and right outwards on each side, and are bent backward 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 backward toward the outer left and right ends.

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 they get off the bicycle and push it around. Operating the brake lever device 15 on one side (left side in Figure 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 Figure 2) activates the brake device attached to the front wheel 3a.

At the left end of the handlebar 4, an operating device 30 is attached to the center, closer to the stem 13 than the ring portion 15a, which is the mounting portion of 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 multiple 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.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating device 30 includes a band portion 31 that fits onto the handle 4, 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.

The cover unit 50 includes a frame member 51 fixed to the case unit 40 by fitting or the like, and multiple operation buttons 61, 71, 81, 91 operably combined with the frame member 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple 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 located closer to the user and closer to the saddle 5 in the first direction X1 than the first operation button 61.

The second operation button 81 is an operation unit that constitutes the second switch 80. The second operation button 81 accepts operation by the user to execute the second mode, which is the "push-walk mode" or the "self-propelled mode." The operation surface 81a of the second operation button 81 is operated to instruct execution of the second mode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame member 51 has a protrusion 54 that protrudes in the first direction X1 from the grip 4a-side (left side in FIG. 2) end, which is 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) so as to approach 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 helps prevent the size of the operation device 30 from increasing. Note that 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 operation device 30.

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

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

As shown in Figures 3 and 5A, the case portion 40 is made of resin and includes a lower support portion 41 having a groove 42 opening to its underside, and an upper support portion 45 provided above the lower support portion 41 and having a frame-shaped wall portion 45c around the periphery of the upper surface 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 portion 40 is fixed to the band portion 31 by tightening a bolt 48 (Figure 3) that passes through the lower support portion 41 and 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.

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 to the upper side of the band portion 31. This allows multiple types of case portions 40 with different heights Ha (Figure 5A) of the lower support portion 41 to be prepared in advance, and a case portion 40 of an appropriate height can be selected from these multiple types. This allows the case portion 40 of the appropriate height to be easily combined with the band portion 31 while preventing interference with surrounding components such as the brake lever of the handlebar 4. This makes it easier to assemble an operating device 30 of a height that is easy for the user to operate to the handlebar 4 while preventing interference with components. Additionally, while the band portion 31 remains attached to the handle 4, the case portion 40 can be replaced with another case portion of a different height, and the upper portion of the operating device including the changed case portion can be attached to the band portion 31.

3, 5B, 6, and 7, the upper support portion 45 of the case portion 40 is a generally rectangular plate when viewed from above, and has a protrusion 45b formed by protruding in the first direction X1 from the grip-side (left side in FIG. 7) end of the edge 45a on the first direction X1 side. As shown in FIG. 7, press detectors 65 and 75 constituting the first switch 60 and third switch 70 shown in FIG. 5A, respectively, and a press detector 88 constituting the second switch 80 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.

The first switch 60 is a DOWN-side operation unit that instructs adjustment to decrease the assist force of the electric motor 12. The third switch 70 is an UP-side operation unit that instructs 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 detection units 65, 75 that detect the operation of the operation buttons 61, 71. Detection signals from the press detection units 65, 75 are sent to the control device 20. Note that the control device 20 may be composed of multiple control devices, some of which may be built into the operating device 30.

The second switch 80 is an operation unit for indicating 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 sent to the control device 20. As shown in Figures 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 tactile switches have been pressed is a signal indicating that the second operation button 81 has been operated sent 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 explained in detail later.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, on the upper surface of the upper support portion 45 of the case portion 40, opposite the grip 4a (right side 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). The display unit 110 and the display group 120 are formed, for example, by LEDs. As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 110 is a substantially elongated rectangle extending in a direction substantially parallel to the arrangement direction of the first, second, and third operation buttons 61, 81, and 71. The display group 120 has a plurality of display units 121 arranged side by side 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 substantially parallel to the axial direction of the grip 4a (direction of arrow X2). The upper surface of each display unit 110, 121 is exposed through an opening in the upper surface portion 52a that constitutes the cover unit 50 (described below), and is generally flush with the top surface of the upper surface portion 52a.

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 combined with 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 forms 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.

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 operating button 91, which constitutes a fourth switch 90 (Figure 2) described below, is supported on the upper side of the intermediate plate portion 52c via a coil spring.

The lower plate portion 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 the hinge rubber 86 (described below). As shown in Figure 6, each swing support portion 58 protrudes from the upper surface of the lower plate portion 52e so as to have an inner surface with an arc-shaped cross section.

Circular or oval openings 52h, 52i are formed adjacent to the hinge support portions 52f, 52g of the lower plate portion 52e to expose portions of the hinge rubbers 66, 86 to the lower side.

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

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, like the upper support portion 45, the frame member 51 has a protrusion 54 formed to protrude in the first direction X1 from the grip-side (left side in Figure 7) end of the edge 51a on the first direction X1 side. The second operation button 81, described below, is located above this protrusion 54.

The multiple operation buttons 61, 81, 71, and 91 include first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons 61, 81, 71, and 91. Below, we will explain each operation button 61, 81, 71, and 91, starting with the second operation button 81, as well as the layout and support structure of each operation button.

As shown in Figures 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. The 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 has inclined surfaces 81b that are inclined outward toward the lower surface.

Furthermore, multiple 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 to the tip end on the saddle 5 side, i.e., a direction intersecting the direction along the first direction X1, and in a direction along the tip edge of the second operation button 81.

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 so as to approach the handle 4 from the anti-grip 4a side (the side opposite to arrow X2 in Figure 4) toward the grip 4a side (the side indicated by arrow X2 in Figure 4). This makes it easier to position 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 continue to press the second operation button 81 with their thumb for a long period of time.

4, the direction along which the operation surface 81a extends is indicated by a straight line U1. The straight line U1 is inclined from the non-grip side toward the grip 4a toward the handlebars 4 with respect to a straight 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 it easier to operate the second operation button 81. 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. In Figure 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.

As a result, the operability of the second operation button 81 is improved, and there is no need to significantly protrude the entire end of the frame member 51 on the first direction X1 side in the first direction X1. This helps prevent the operating device 30 from becoming too large.

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

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. Because the ribs 82 are provided on the upper surface of the second operation button 81 in this way, 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.

As shown in Figure 9A, a shaft support portion 84a is provided at the base end (top right end in Figure 9A) of the underside of the second operation button 81. The tip of the shaft support portion 84a protrudes from the base edge of the second operation button 81 towards the first operation button (top right side in Figure 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 their central axes coincide. Each shaft portion 84b constitutes a swing support structure for the second operation button 81, as described below.

A pressing protrusion 85 is provided in the middle of the underside 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 described above via a hinge rubber 86 (Figure 7).

As shown in Figure 9A, the second operation button 81 has a thickened portion 84c, which is thicker than the other portions, at the U-shaped edge extending from the tip of the underside to the base ends on both lateral sides. The thickened portion 84c reinforces the second operation button 81. A locking claw 83 is provided on the underside of the tip of the thickened portion 84c. The tip of the locking claw 83 protrudes toward the side facing the underside of the second operation button 81.

As shown in Figure 5B, each shaft 84b of the second operation button 81 is supported so as to be able to swing on the inner surface of each swing support part 58. This forms a swing support structure for the second operation button 81. While Figure 5B only shows the support structure between one swing support part 58 and the shaft 84b, the support structure between the other swing support part and the shaft is similar.

The depression protrusion 85 of the second operation button 81 is pressed against the tip of an oval 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. The 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 to 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 slipping out of 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. Specifically, as shown in Figure 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 arrow T. This makes it easier for the user to operate the second operation button 81 more naturally with the thumb of the hand holding the grip 4a.

As described above, the second operation button 81 is configured to swing up and down while being elastically supported using rubber, which makes it easier to assemble the swing support structure for the second operation button 81 compared to when a spring is used to form the swing support structure for the second operation button. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first operation button 61 (described below) is positioned above the shaft support portion 84a and swing support portion 58 of the second operation button 81, so when the first operation button 61 and 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.

When the second operation button 81 is operated to press it downward, the press protrusion 85 shown in Figure 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 to the control device 20 indicating that the second operation button 81 has been operated. Furthermore, because the second operation button 81 swings around a single central axis around the shaft portion 84b, no twisting occurs 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 operating feel for the user.

As shown in Figures 2 and 9B, the first operation button 61 is made of resin and has a roughly rectangular shape, with the end of the third operation button 71 facing the display unit 110 being recessed into a roughly rectangular plate shape. The top surface of the first operation button 61 is provided with an operation surface 61a that the user's finger comes into contact with for operation.

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 its shape is approximately 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. On the other hand, the third operation button 71 has an inclined surface 71b sloping downward in a portion that continues from the grip 4a side of the operation surface 71a to the edge opposite the first operation button 61.

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

Latching claws 63a and 63b are provided on both the second operation button 81 side and the first operation button 61 side (top and bottom sides in FIG. 9B) at the end opposite the grip 4a on the underside of the first operation button 61 (right side in FIG. 9B). 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.

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 section, forming a roughly cross-shaped diameter when viewed from the tip. The tip of the central cylindrical section protrudes downward from between the reinforcing pieces. The pressing protrusion 64 is configured to be able to press the above-mentioned pressing detection section 65 (Figure 7) via a hinge rubber 66 (Figure 7).

The grip-side (left side in Figure 9B) end of the underside of the first operation button 61 is formed so as to protrude downward while sloping outward.

As shown in Figure 7, a hinge rubber 66 is attached to the 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 Figure 7. Although Figure 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.

When the two cylindrical portions 62a, 62b of the first operation button 61 shown in Figure 9B are axially slidably inserted into the circular holes 59a, 59b of the lower support portion shown in Figure 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 from the hinge rubber 66 to the first operation button 61. The depression detection portion 65 faces the underside of the bottom of the cup portion 66a of the hinge rubber 66 via a small gap. In this state, the tip portions of each locking claw portion 63a, 63b of the first operation button 61 are respectively locked to the upper edges of the locking groove 59c and locking frame 59d of the lower plate portion 52e shown in Figure 6. In this state, the first operation button 61 is prevented from slipping out of the frame member 51. 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 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 linearly along the axial direction of the respective cylindrical portions 62a and 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 spring is used to form the support structure for the reciprocating movement of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. Furthermore, because the second operation button 81 can swing while the first and third operation buttons 61 and 71 can move linearly, the difference in operation direction relative to the second operation button 81 makes it easier for the user to operate the first and third operation buttons 61 and 71 by feel.

When the first operation button 61 is operated by pressing it 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 sends a detection signal to the control device 20 indicating that the first operation button 61 has been operated.

The support structure for the lower support portion of the third operation button 71 adjacent to the first operation button 61 is approximately symmetrical with respect to the center between the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. Furthermore, 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.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5A, the operation surface 61a of the first operation button 61 is a curved surface with an arc-shaped cross section that is recessed towards 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 a curved surface with an arc-shaped cross section that is recessed towards the frame member 51 as it approaches the first operation button 61. This makes it easier for a user riding a bicycle to operate the first operation button 61 or the third operation button 71 with their thumb or other finger, and to keep their finger(s) stable on one or both of the upper surfaces of the two operation buttons 61, 71 while holding the grip 4a in their hand.

Furthermore, the operation surface 61a of the first operation button 61 and the operation surface 71a of the third operation button 71 follow substantially the same curved surface, and no protruding or other catch portions are formed on the opposing ends of the respective operation surfaces 61a, 71a. This makes it easier for the user to smoothly move their fingers between the operation surface 61a of the first operation button 61 and the operation surface 71a of the third operation button 71 while holding the grip 4a in their hand.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 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, further improving the operability of the operation device 30.

2, 3, and 5A, the fourth operation button 91 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface portion 52a of the cover portion, 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 positioned 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. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper surface of the grip 4a side edge of the fourth operation button 91 is higher in the direction of movement of the fourth operation button 91 by a height H than the upper surfaces of the first and third operation buttons 61, 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 position adjacent to the top surface of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71. 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 it, the user can easily find the fourth operation button 91 by feel while holding the grip 4a. This further improves the operability of the operation device 30. Note that the entire top surface of the fourth operation button 91 may be located above and outside the position adjacent to the top surface of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71.

6 and 10, the fourth operation button 91 is made of resin and has a wall 91c with a generally U-shaped cross section formed on the underside of the top plate 91b. It is generally box-shaped, with the end opposite the grip 4a and the bottom open. The top plate 91b is insert-molded with the upper part of a metal pillar 92, with the middle and lower parts of the pillar 92 protruding downward. The pillar 92 penetrates the middle plate 52c of the cover 50, allowing it to move back and forth in the vertical direction. In this state, the middle part of a coil spring 97 is insert-molded into the middle plate 52c, with the upper end of the coil spring 97 abutting against the underside of the top plate 91b. As a result, the fourth operation button 91 is elastically supported by the frame member 51, with the coil spring 97 applying a repulsive force to the fourth operation button 91 when pressed. The lower end of the coil spring 97 is supported on the upper surface surrounding the press detector 95, which is supported on the upper surface of the case 40.

Furthermore, a retaining ring 99 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the pillar portion 92, restricting movement of the pillar portion 92 above the intermediate plate portion 52c. Two elastic rings 98 are compressed and positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the pillar portion 92 and the inner surface of the hole in the intermediate plate portion 52c through which the pillar portion 92 passes. This prevents moisture from seeping in from around the fourth operation button 91 through the hole in the intermediate plate portion 52c to the press detection unit 95. In this state, the lower end of the pillar portion 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.

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

2, the operation device 30 is provided with a display unit 110 and a display group 120 on the side opposite the grip 4a of the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 (the right side in FIG. 2). This improves the operability of the operation device 30 while preventing the operation device 30 from becoming longer in the first direction X1. Furthermore, in the operation device 30, the display unit 110 and the display group 120 are arranged separately in the axial direction of each operation button 61, 71, 81, 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 notify different information by changing color. For example, the display unit 110 lights up purple in high mode, which always outputs high assist force from the electric motor 12, and lights up yellow in auto mode, which automatically adjusts the assist force according to riding conditions. The display unit 110 may also be configured to light up orange to indicate a minor error, and to light up a different color (e.g., red) depending on the severity of the error, to indicate the error that has occurred.

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.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 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. As a result, the power button 101, which is operated less frequently, is positioned farther from the user, making the operating buttons 61, 71, 81, and 91, which are operated more frequently, more visible to the user, further improving the operability of the operating device 30.

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.

12, the power button 101 is made of resin and is block-shaped with an outer surface parallel to the outer surface of the wall 53 on which the power button 101 is mounted. One end of a metal pillar 102 is insert-molded into the power button 101, with the middle and other side portions of the pillar 102 protruding from the inner surface of the power button 101. The pillar 102 penetrates a button support 53b formed inwardly in the wall 53 of the cover 50 so as to be recessed inward, allowing the button to move back and forth in the first direction X1a. In this state, the middle portion of a coil spring 107 is insert-molded into the button support 53b, with one end of the coil spring 107 abutting 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 applied from the coil spring 107 in response to a substantially horizontal pressing action. The other end of the coil spring 107 is supported on the side surface surrounding the press detection unit 105, which is supported on the top surface of the case unit 40. As a result, the power button 101 is positioned so that it protrudes from the wall surface at the end of the operating 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 for more reliable operation of the power button 101.

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 part 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 from around the power button 101 through the hole in the button support portion 53b to the press detection portion 105 side. 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.

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. This causes the pressing detection unit 105 to send a detection signal to the control device 20 indicating that the power button 101 has been pressed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the center position between the first operating button 61 and the third operating 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 operating device 30 is fitted. This prevents the first direction X1a side end of the upper part of the operating 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 operating device 30 will hit the ground even if the bicycle falls over while in use, thereby reducing the risk of the operating device 30 breaking down.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, a substantially flat base surface 36 is provided on the end of the top surface of the band portion 31 in the first direction X1. 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.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the angle β between the central axis γ of the handle tightening bolt 38 provided on the band portion 31 and a plane δ that includes the central axis O of the grip 4a and is aligned vertically is restricted to a value between 40 degrees and 60 degrees. This prevents interference with peripheral components of the handle 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.

Furthermore, if a control device is built into the operating device 30, the built-in control device may store the relationship between the operation of the operation button and the function executed by that operation. In this case, for a single operation button, the function executed can be changed by combining any two or three of the following: a long press, a single click (a short press), and a double click (two presses in a short time).

For example, the headlights 9 can be configured to turn on when the fourth operation button 91 is pressed and held. 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 configured to switch the display screen from left to right. In this case, a double click of the fourth operation button 91 can also be configured to switch the display screen from right to left. Furthermore, when the fourth operation button 91 and the first operation button 61 are pressed and held simultaneously, the display screen can be configured to switch 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 a one-to-one correspondence to the multiple functions they execute. The display device (not shown) including a display can also be attached to the handlebars 4, as well as to one or both of the stem 13 and the frame 2.

Furthermore, when the first operation button 61 and the third operation button 71 are pressed and held simultaneously, the user's smartphone and the operation device 30 may begin 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.

Figure 13 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3 showing an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with the operating device 30 of the embodiment when the operating device 30 is rotated 45 degrees in the first direction X1. Figure 14 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 4 in the state shown in Figure 13 when in use.

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 configuration 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 inclined 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 inclined 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, 71a are inclined 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, 71a, respectively. This improves the operability of the first, second, and third operating surfaces 61a, 81a, and 71a when the user holds the grip 4a, and eliminates the need for the entire end of the frame member 51 on the first direction X1 side (the front side of the paper in Figure 14) to protrude significantly in the first direction X1. This helps prevent the operating device 30 from becoming too large.

Furthermore, the mounting 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 Figures 13 and 14. For example, the band portion 31 can be mounted to the handlebars 4 at an angle intermediate between the mounting angle of the band portion 31 relative to the handlebars 4 determined in Figures 1 to 12 and the mounting angle of the band portion 31 relative to the handlebars 4 determined in Figures 13 and 14, and the operating device 30 can be mounted to the handlebars 4 so as to include the band portion 31.

Figure 15 is a view of the handlebars 200 from above in a straight-ahead position on an electrically assisted bicycle equipped with an operating device 30 according to an embodiment. While the configurations in Figures 1 to 12, 13, and 14 each illustrate an upturned handlebar 4, the configuration in this example shows the handlebars 200 as being flat, with the entire handlebars 200 at roughly the same height and generally linearly extending in the left-right direction when viewed from above, with both left and right sides slightly tilting rearward toward the tips. In this example, as with the configurations in Figures 1 to 12, the operating device 30 is secured to the left side of the handlebars 200 by a band 31 (see Figure 3, etc.) secured 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.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the frame member 51 (see FIG. 3, etc.) has a protrusion 54 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 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, or the user side, of the first directions X1, X1a, which 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.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the second operation button 81 of 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) so as to approach the handle 4. This improves the operability of the second operation button 81 by a user holding the grip 4a, similar to the configuration in FIGS. 1 to 12, and also prevents the operating device 30 from becoming larger because there is no need to significantly protrude the entire end of the frame member 51 in the first direction X1 side. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 12.

In addition, in the configuration shown in Figure 15, the handle 200 has a slightly bent shape when viewed from above, but it may also be completely straight.

Furthermore, the electrically assisted bicycle, which is one type of vehicle disclosed herein, is not limited to having handlebars 4, 200 of either the up-type or flat-type. For example, the handlebars may be of 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 the left and right ends are inclined significantly rearward relative to the left and right direction.

The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following embodiments.
Configuration 1: An operation device attached to a handle of a mobile object having a grip for a user to hold, the operation device receiving an operation input,
a case portion attached to the handle;
a cover portion that covers the case portion,
The cover portion is
a frame member fixed to the case portion;
a plurality of operation buttons operably combined with the frame member;
each of the plurality of operation buttons constitutes a part of an outer shell of the cover;
the plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button arranged on a user side;
the frame member has a protruding portion protruding from a portion of the end edge on the user side,
the second operation button has an operation surface that is inclined downward from the anti-user side toward the user side and that is inclined toward the handle from the anti-grip side toward the grip side,
Operating device.
Configuration 2: A rib is provided on the outer surface of the second operation button, the rib extending in a direction intersecting a direction connecting a base end of the second operation button on the first operation button side and a tip end of the second operation button on the driver's seat side.
2. The operating device according to claim 1.
Configuration 3: the plurality of operation buttons includes 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;
an outer surface of the third operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the first operation button;
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.
Configuration 4: the plurality of operation buttons includes a fourth operation button,
At least a part of an 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.
4. The operating device according to configuration 3.
Configuration 5: the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
the operation surfaces provided on the outer surfaces of the first operation button and the third operation button are inclined from the opposite side to the grip side toward the grip side so as to approach the handle;
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.
Configuration 6: the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
a display unit is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite to the grip;
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.
Configuration 7: the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
a power button for starting the moving body is provided on the side opposite to the grip of the first operation button and the third operation button;
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.
Configuration 8: The second operation button is configured to swing up and down while being elastically supported by rubber.
8. The operating device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.
Configuration 9: the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
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.
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2.

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 (9)

An operation device attached to a handle of a mobile body having a grip for a user to grip, the operation device receiving an operation input,
a case portion attached to the handle;
a cover portion that covers the case portion,
The cover portion is
a frame member fixed to the case portion;
a plurality of operation buttons operably combined with the frame member;
each of the plurality of operation buttons constitutes a part of an outer shell of the cover;
the plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button arranged on a user side;
the frame member has a protruding portion protruding from a portion of the end edge on the user side,
the second operation button has an operation surface that is inclined downward from the anti-user side toward the user side and that is inclined toward the handle from the anti-grip side toward the grip side,
Operating device. a rib extending in a direction intersecting a direction connecting a base end of the second operation button on the first operation button side and a tip end of the second operation button on the user side is provided on an outer surface of the second operation button;
The operating device according to claim 1 . the plurality of operation buttons includes 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;
an outer surface of the third operation button recesses toward the frame member as it approaches the first operation button;
The operating device according to claim 1 . the plurality of operation buttons includes a fourth operation button,
At least a part of an 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.
The operating device according to claim 3 . the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
the operation surfaces provided on the outer surfaces of the first operation button and the third operation button are inclined from the opposite side to the grip side toward the grip side so as to approach the handle;
The operating device according to claim 1 . the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
a display unit is provided on the side of the first operation button and the third operation button opposite to the grip;
The operating device according to claim 1 . the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
a power button for starting up the moving body is provided on the side opposite to the grip of the first operation button and the third operation button;
The operating device according to claim 1 . The second operation button is configured to be able to swing up and down while being elastically supported by rubber.
The operating device according to claim 1 . the plurality of operation buttons includes a third operation button,
the first operation button and the third operation button are arranged side by side,
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;
The operating device according to claim 1 .