Switchgear

Abstract

The switch device (10) comprises: a switch body (11) disposed on the back side of a steering operation part; and a rod (12) mounted on the switch body (11) in a manner that a switch can be switched by a tilting operation around a first axis (L1), the first axis (L1) extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft. In addition, the rod (12) comprises: a rod shaft (13) extending in a direction intersecting the first axis (L1) of the tilting operation; a rod head (14) formed at the top end of the rod shaft (13) in a manner larger than the diameter of the rod shaft (13); and a pressing operation part (80) disposed in a manner that a switch can be switched by a pressing operation. Moreover, the pressing operation part (80) is disposed in a manner that the operation direction of the pressing operation is toward the first axis (L1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to switchgear. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lever combination switch having multiple switch functions is known as a switch device for operating an onboard device (see Patent Document 1, etc.). The lever combination switch has switch functions such as a turn switch, a light switch, a dimming switch, a wiper switch, and a washer switch.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-157107 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the lever combination switch, it is considered that a part of a plurality of switch functions is provided by a button. In this case, when the button is operated, the lever may move together, thereby causing erroneous operation.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a switch device capable of suppressing erroneous operation.

[0009] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0010] A switch device of one embodiment of the present invention is a rod-type switch device having multiple switch functions for operating multiple vehicle-mounted devices, the switch device comprising: a switch main body, which is arranged on the back side of a steering operating part that is rotated to steer the vehicle; and a rod portion, which is assembled to the switch main body in a manner that enables switch switching by tilting operation around an axis, the axis extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the steering operating part, the rod portion comprising: a rod shaft portion, which extends in a direction intersecting with the axis of the tilting operation; a rod head portion, which is formed at the top end of the rod shaft portion in a manner larger than the diameter of the rod shaft portion; and a pressing operation portion, which is arranged on the rod head portion in a manner that enables switch switching by pressing operation, and the pressing operation portion is arranged in a manner that the operating direction of the pressing operation is toward the axis.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The switch device of the present invention can suppress erroneous operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is the front view of the special-shaped steering operation part.

[0014] Figure 2It is a side view of the special-shaped steering operation unit.

[0015] Figure 3 It is the front view of the switch device.

[0016] Figure 4 is a top view of the switch device.

[0017] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the interior of the switch body.

[0018] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view showing the first tilting portion and the second tilting portion.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 VII-VII line cross-sectional view.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 IX-IX line cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 9 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the intermittent mechanism.

[0022] Fig.10 is a block diagram showing an electrical system of a switchgear.

[0023] FIG. 11( a ) is an operation diagram when the special-shaped steering operating unit is turned right, and FIG. 11( b ) is an operation diagram when the special-shaped steering operating unit is turned left.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the operation when the operation part is pressed from the front.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a side view of the operation of the push operation unit.

[0026] Fig.14 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the angle between the operation direction and the vertical line when the two are in an oblique relationship.

[0027] 15( a ) and ( b ) are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the articulation mechanism according to other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the switch device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, a special-shaped steering operating unit 1 operated to steer the vehicle is provided at the driver's seat of the vehicle. The special-shaped steering operating unit 1 is rotatably mounted on the vehicle body by a steering shaft 2 arranged on the same axis. The steering shaft 2 is equivalent to the "rotation axis" of the special-shaped steering operating unit 1. In the special-shaped steering operating unit 1, along the axial direction of the steering shaft 2, the vehicle body side is regarded as the back side, and the opposite side is regarded as the front side. The special-shaped steering operating unit 1 is opposite to the user who performs the steering operation on the front side. In addition, the special-shaped steering operating unit 1 has a width direction and a height direction that are orthogonal to the axial direction and to each other. The axial direction, the width direction, and the height direction are Figure 1 In the figure, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are respectively shown.

[0030] The special-shaped steering operation part 1 includes a hub 3 connected to a steering shaft 2 and a gripping portion 5 provided around the hub 3. In addition, the special-shaped steering operation part 1 includes two spokes 4a arranged on both sides of the special-shaped steering operation part 1 in the width direction relative to the hub 3, and a spoke 4b arranged on the lower side of the special-shaped steering operation part 1 in the height direction relative to the hub 3. In one example, the special-shaped steering operation part 1 includes two spokes 4a respectively connected to both ends of the hub 3 in the width direction of the special-shaped steering operation part 1, and a spoke 4b connected to the lower end of the hub 3 in the height direction of the special-shaped steering operation part 1. The spokes 4a and the spokes 4b connect the hub 3 and the gripping portion 5, respectively.

[0031] The hub 3, the spokes 4a, 4b, and the pair of grips 5 form a peripheral edge 6 of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1. The peripheral edge 6 forms the outer shape of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1 when viewed from the front in the axial direction. The peripheral edge 6 of the present embodiment is set to be long in the width direction and short in the height direction. In this way, the special-shaped steering operation unit 1 is a steering wheel formed in a non-circular shape including an elliptical shape, which has different dimensions in the width direction and the height direction when viewed from the axial direction.

[0032] The gripping parts 5 of the present embodiment are provided in pairs on both sides in the width direction of the special-shaped steering operation part 1. The pair of gripping parts 5 are formed into a non-annular shape in which the upper and lower parts in the height direction are omitted. The pair of gripping parts 5 are connected by the spokes 4b at the lower side of the hub 3, and the lower edge of the peripheral part 6 is formed by the hub 3 and the spokes 4b. In addition, the upper side of the pair of gripping parts 5 is connected to the hub 3 by the spokes 4a, and the upper edge of the peripheral part 6 is formed by the hub 3, the spokes 4a and the gripping parts 5. In addition, the pair of gripping parts 5 form the side edges on both sides in the width direction of the peripheral part 6. In one example, the first end of each gripping part 5 is engaged with a corresponding one of the two spokes 4a, and the second end of each gripping part 5 is engaged with the spoke 4b.

[0033] A switch device 10 for operating the vehicle-mounted equipment is provided near the special-shaped steering operation unit 1. Two switch devices 10 are arranged approximately symmetrically on the back side of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1. Each switch device 10 is, for example, a switch device for operating a plurality of vehicle-mounted equipment. The vehicle-mounted equipment includes, for example, a direction indicator signal device, a lighting device, a fog lamp device, a front wiper device, a rear wiper device, and a defogger device. In addition, in the switch device 10, the axial direction, the width direction, and the height direction in the above-mentioned special-shaped steering operation unit 1 are also used as the axial direction, the width direction, and the height direction.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the special-shaped steering operation part 1 includes a back cover 7 on the back side of the hub 3. The back cover 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to cover the periphery of the steering shaft 2, and forms the outer shell of the back side of the special-shaped steering operation part 1.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the switch device 10 includes: a switch body 11, which is locked to the special-shaped steering operation part 1 so as to be integrally rotatable; and a rod 12, which is held on the switch body 11 so as to be tiltable relative to the switch body 11. The switch body 11 is accommodated in the back cover 7. In addition, the rod 12 protrudes from the insertion hole 7a formed in the back cover 7 in the radial direction of the steering shaft 2. The rod 12 is set in a tiltable manner relative to the switch body 11 and the special-shaped steering operation part 1, and is assigned a switch function of switching contacts. The insertion hole 7a is set to a diameter larger than the diameter of the rod 12 in a manner to allow the rod 12 to tilt.

[0036] The rod portion 12 includes a rod shaft portion 13 extending from the switch body portion 11 and a hammer-shaped rod head portion 14 connected to the switch body portion 11 via the rod shaft portion 13. A flange portion 15 is provided around the rod shaft portion 13 so as to be opposed to the insertion hole 7a from the inside. In one example, the rod portion 12 includes a flange portion 15, and the flange portion 15 is provided around the end portion of the rod shaft portion 13 that is close to the switch body portion 11. In one example, a part of the flange portion 15 is accommodated in the back cover 7, and another part of the flange portion 15 is positioned in the insertion hole 7a. The flange portion 15 is formed in an umbrella-like shape that is open on the switch body portion 11 side. In addition, the portion of the flange portion 15 that is expanded in an umbrella-like shape is provided with a diameter larger than the diameter of the insertion hole 7a of the back cover 7.

[0037] The rod shaft portion 13 includes: a base portion 16 connected to the switch body portion 11 and extending in a manner protruding upward from the switch body portion 11; and an arm portion 17 extending in the axial direction from the base portion 16. Thus, the rod shaft portion 13 is provided in a shape bent at a position radially outward relative to the back cover 7. The flange portion 15 is provided around the base portion 16. The arm portion 17 extends from the back side of the special-shaped steering operation portion 1 to the front side along the back cover 7. The rod head portion 14 is provided at the end portion of the front side of the arm portion 17.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rod head portion 14 extends from the rod shaft portion 13 to both sides of the cross direction relative to the axial direction. That is, the arm portion 17 of the rod shaft portion 13 and the rod head portion 14 intersect in a roughly T-shaped shape. The rod head portion 14 of the present embodiment extends from the rod shaft portion 13 to both sides of the width direction of the special-shaped steering operating portion 1. The rod head portion 14 is formed in a shape larger than the diameter of the rod shaft portion 13. The diameter of the rod shaft portion 13 refers to, for example, the dimension of the rod shaft portion 13 in the cross direction relative to its extension direction. In addition, the rod head portion 14 protrudes radially toward the steering shaft 2 more than the rod shaft portion 13.

[0039] The rod head 14 is arranged in a manner that it is inclined toward the axial front side, away from the steering shaft 2, i.e., the width direction outer side, in the width direction of the special-shaped steering operation part 1. Moreover, the rod head 14 is arranged in a manner that the back surface 14a of the rod head 14 becomes thinner in the axial direction toward the width direction outer side of the rod head 14, and is inclined relative to the axial direction.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the rod 12 does not protrude in the width direction relative to the peripheral portion 6 of the special-shaped steering operation part 1. On the other hand, the rod 12 protrudes in the height direction more than the peripheral portion 6. The rod 12 of this embodiment protrudes in the height direction more than the upper edge of the peripheral portion 6. In addition, the rod 12 is arranged on the lower side relative to the upper end of the grip 5. That is, the rod 12 is formed in a manner not to protrude outward from the grip 5, and is partially exposed on the front side of the special-shaped steering operation part 1.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a portion of the rod head 14 is exposed in the axial direction from the special-shaped steering operation unit 1 to the front side. The rod head 14 has a display unit 18 for displaying the switch function on the surface exposed to the front side. The display unit 18 displays, for example, the direction of operation of the direction indicator device and the wiper device.

[0042] like Figure 5As shown, the switch body 11 includes an upper shell 21 and a lower shell 22 that are opposed to each other in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. The upper shell 21 faces the front side in the axial direction in a state of being assembled to the special-shaped steering operation part 1. In addition, the lower shell 22 faces the back side in the axial direction. A switch mechanism 20 is provided inside the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22, and the rod 12 is supported by the switch mechanism 20 in a tiltable manner.

[0043] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the switch mechanism 20 includes a base portion 30 locked with the lower housing 22, a first tilting portion 40 axially supported by the upper housing 21, and a second tilting portion 50 axially supported by the first tilting portion 40 in a tiltable manner. The switch mechanism 20 is connected to the rod portion 12 in a connection direction A, and the first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50 extend along the connection direction A. In the case of this embodiment, the connection direction A is orthogonal to the axial direction and is inclined to the width direction and the height direction. The switch mechanism 20 supports the rod portion 12 so that it can tilt in two directions orthogonal to the connection direction A.

[0044] The first tilting portion 40 includes a protrusion 41 protruding toward the upper housing 21. In addition, the upper housing 21 is provided with a fitting hole 21a into which the protrusion 41 is inserted. The first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50 are pivotally supported on the upper housing 21 so as to be tiltable about a first axis L1 by fitting the protrusion 41 and the fitting hole 21a. The first axis L1 is along the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. The first axis L1 corresponds to the "axis of the tilting operation" of the rod portion 12.

[0045] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second tilting portion 50 is assembled in a manner of being inserted into the interior of the first tilting portion 40. The second tilting portion 50 is connected to the base 16 of the rod shaft portion 13 at the base side of the connection direction A thereof. In one example, the base end of the second tilting portion 50 is connected to the base 16 of the rod shaft portion 13. In addition, a through shaft 51 is provided in the second tilting portion 50, and the through shaft 51 penetrates the second tilting portion 50 and the first tilting portion 40 together. The second tilting portion is axially supported on the first tilting portion 40 by the through shaft 51. The through shaft 51 is provided on the base side of the connection direction A in the second tilting portion 50. In one example, the through shaft 51 is formed at the base end of the second tilting portion 50 along the second axis L2. Thus, the second tilting portion 50 can be tiltably supported on the first tilting portion 40 around the second axis L2. The second axis L2 is orthogonal to the first axis L1.

[0046] As described above, the rod 12 is supported on the switch body 11 so as to be tiltable around the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 by means of the first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50 of the switch mechanism 20. When the rod 12 is tilted around the second axis L2, only the second tilting portion 50 tilts, and the first tilting portion 40 does not tilt. On the other hand, when the rod 12 is tilted around the first axis L1, both the first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50 tilt. In addition, the rod head 14 of the rod 12 is tilted around the first axis L1 to the upper and lower sides in the height direction, and is tilted around the second axis L2 to the back side and the front side in the axial direction. In addition, the tilting operation around the first axis L1 is equivalent to the tilting operation around the axis of the steering shaft 2, and the tilting operation around the second axis L2 is equivalent to the tilting operation in the direction intersecting the axis around the steering shaft 2.

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, the base 16 of the rod shaft portion 13 includes a connection portion 16a connected to the second tilting portion 50, and a protrusion 16b protruding from the connection portion 16a to the outside of the back cover 7. The connection portion 16a extends in the connection direction A along the second tilting portion 50. The protrusion 16b extends upward in the height direction. In this way, the base 16 is set in a shape bent in the connection direction A and the height direction. The protrusion 16b protrudes to the outside of the back cover 7 through the insertion hole 7a of the back cover 7.

[0048] The flange portion 15 provided around the base portion 16 includes a first arc portion 15a provided in an arc shape with a radius r1 centered on the first axis L1 in the orthogonal cross-sectional shape relative to the axial direction, and a second arc portion 15b provided in an arc shape with a radius r2. In this way, the flange portion 15 is provided at positions with different heights of the base portion 16. The first arc portion 15a and the second arc portion 15b are arc-shaped centered on the first axis L1, so even when the rod portion 12 tilts around the first axis L1, the gap between the back cover 7 and the flange portion 15 does not expand.

[0049] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flange portion 15 is formed to have a curved surface shape between the first arc portion 15a and the second arc portion 15b, and the flange portion 15 is formed as a whole in an umbrella shape. In addition, the portion of the flange portion 15 that expands in an umbrella shape is set to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the insertion hole 7a of the back cover 7. In this way, the flange portion 15 seals the insertion hole 7a from the inside in a manner that the switch body 11 cannot be seen from the outside of the back cover 7.

[0050] like Figure 5As shown, the switch mechanism 20 includes a rhythm mechanism 60 for imparting rhythm to the operation of the rod portion 12 on the front side of the connection direction A of the first tilting portion 40. In one example, the rhythm mechanism 60 is arranged at the top end of the first tilting portion 40. The rhythm mechanism 60 includes an abutment portion 61 protruding from the top end of the first tilting portion 40, and a force applying member 62 that applies force to the abutment portion 61 toward the front side of the connection direction A. In addition, the rhythm mechanism 60 includes an opposing wall 63 provided in the base portion 30 in a manner opposite to the abutment portion 61. The opposing wall 63 has an inclined surface 64 inclined in a manner recessed toward the connection direction A of the first tilting portion 40 on the surface opposite to the abutment portion 61. The inclined surface 64 is provided in a shape inclined in a substantially triangular shape. The rhythm mechanism 60 imparts rhythm to the operation of the rod portion 12 around the first axis L1.

[0051] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the switch mechanism 20 includes a rhythm mechanism 70 for imparting rhythm to the operation of the rod portion 12 on the front side of the connection direction A of the second tilting portion 50. In one example, the rhythm mechanism 70 is arranged at the top end of the second tilting portion 50. The rhythm mechanism 70 includes an abutment portion 71 provided at the top end of the second tilting portion 50, and a force applying member 72 for applying force to the abutment portion 71 toward the front side of the connection direction A. In addition, the rhythm mechanism 70 includes an opposing wall 73 opposing the abutment portion 71 inside the first tilting portion 40. The opposing wall 73 has an inclined surface 74 on the surface opposite to the abutment portion 71. The inclined surface 74 is provided in a shape inclined in a direction orthogonal to the inclined surface 64 on the side of the rhythm mechanism 60. The rhythm mechanism 70 imparts rhythm to the operation of the rod portion 12 around the second axis L2.

[0052] The following will describe the operation of the joint mechanisms 60 and 70 around the first axis L1. The operation principles of the joint mechanisms 60 and 70 are the same, so the description of the joint mechanism 70 around the second axis L2 will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9( a ), in the inclined surface 64, the central portion 64a in the direction perpendicular to the connection direction A is located on the front side of the connection direction A relative to the end portion 64b in the direction perpendicular to the connection direction A. When the first tilting portion 40 is located at the initial position before tilting, the contact portion 61 is pressed toward the front side of the connection direction A in a state of contacting the central portion 64a of the inclined surface 64. Thus, the position of the first tilting portion 40 relative to the base portion 30 is maintained at the initial position.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9( b), when the lever 12 is tilted about the first axis L1, the contact portion 61 slides relative to the inclined surface 64 and moves from the position of the central portion 64a to the position of the end portion 64b on the inclined surface 64. At this time, the contact portion 61 is pressed down by the inclined surface 64 toward the base side of the connection direction A, and is displaced toward the base side relative to the first tilting portion 40 in the opposite direction to the force of the urging member 62. The first tilting portion 40 imparts a degree of rhythm to the user who operates the lever 12 by the force of the urging member 62 at this time.

[0055] When the operation on the rod 12 is released, the contact portion 61 is pressed by the force of the force member 62 and slides from the end 64b side of the inclined surface 64 to the central portion 64a side. And the rod 12 returns to the initial position before the operation together with the first tilting portion 40. That is, the rod 12 performs an instantaneous action to return to the initial position through the joint mechanism 60. In addition, the rod 12 can also perform a fixed action to be maintained at a predetermined operation position by the joint mechanism 60.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the switch device 10 includes a push operation portion 80, and the push operation portion 80 is provided so as to be able to push the lever portion 12. The push operation portion 80 is provided with a predetermined switch function.

[0057] The rod head 14 extends in the width direction of the special-shaped steering operating part 1. The pressing operating part 80 is provided on the top surface 14b on the upper side in the height direction of the rod head 14, and is pressed and operated toward the lower side in the height direction. In addition, the pressing operating part 80 is provided on the upper side in the height direction relative to the first axis L1. Thus, the operating direction of the pressing operating part 80 is toward the first axis L1. In addition, when the operating direction is toward the first axis L1, for example, the angle between the line connecting the pressing operating part 80 and the first axis L1 and the operating direction is within a predetermined angle range. The predetermined angle value is set within a range in which the rod part 12 does not tilt when the pressing operating part 80 is pressed. In one example, the pressing operating part 80 of the rod head 14 is positioned at a position different from the switch mechanism 20 in the direction along the first axis L1. In one example, when viewed from the direction along the first axis L1, the angle between the line connecting the pressing operation part 80 and the first axis L1 and the line along the operation direction of the pressing operation part 80 may be set within a predetermined angle range.

[0058] like Fig.10As shown, the switch device 10 is provided with: a first contact 81 and a second contact 82, which are opened and closed by the respective actions of the first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50; a third contact 83, which is opened and closed by the pressing operation portion 80; and a control portion 84, which controls the switch function. The opening and closing state of the first contact 81 is switched when the first tilting portion 40 tilts around the first axis L1. The opening and closing state of the second contact 82 is switched when the second tilting portion 50 tilts around the second axis L2. The opening and closing state of the third contact 83 is switched when the pressing operation portion 80 is pressed. The control portion 84 controls the functions of the vehicle-mounted devices assigned to the first contact 81, the second contact 82, and the third contact 83 according to the opening and closing states of the first contact 81, the second contact 82, and the third contact 83.

[0059] Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 11(a) and (b), the special-shaped steering operating unit 1 can be turned to the left and right respectively with the neutral position as the starting point. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram of turning the special-shaped steering operating unit 1 to the right from the neutral position, and Fig. 11(b) is a diagram of turning the special-shaped steering operating unit 1 to the left from the neutral position. The special-shaped steering operating unit 1 of this embodiment is not operated multiple times to the left and right from the neutral position, and the rotation amount of each left and right is a small steering angle of less than one turn. It is preferred that the maximum steering angle θ of the special-shaped steering operating unit 1 is, for example, about 150 to 160 degrees.

[0061] In the case of this embodiment, the switch device 10 is mounted on the special-shaped steering operating part 1 itself, and rotates integrally with the special-shaped steering operating part 1. Therefore, regardless of the steering position of the special-shaped steering operating part 1, the positional relationship between the special-shaped steering operating part 1 and the switch device 10 does not change. Therefore, the switch device 10 can be easily operated while the special-shaped steering operating part 1 is still held.

[0062] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the pressing operation part 80 is pressed along the operation direction Z1. Here, the line connecting the pressing operation part 80 and the first axis L1 is referred to as the vertical line Lp. The vertical line Lp intersects the first axis L1 perpendicularly and extends in the radial direction of the first axis L1. The idea about the operation direction Z1 of the pressing operation part 80 and the vertical line Lp is shown below.

[0063] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the positions of the pressing operation portion 80 and the first axis L1 in the width direction are different, the vertical line Lp and the operation direction Z1 become inclined. Fig.14 In the embodiment, the pressing operation portion 80 is disposed on the inner side in the width direction relative to the first axis L1. In this case, the angle between the vertical line Lp and the pressing operation direction is defined as the angle

[0064] When the push operation unit 80 is operated in the operation direction Z1, due to the angle The force added to the rod 12 generates a force in the circumferential direction of the first axis L1. On the other hand, the lever 12 generates an operation resistance caused by the degree of tilting operation. Therefore, if the force in the circumferential direction does not exceed the operation resistance, the lever 12 will not rotate. The predetermined angle range is appropriately set within a range in which the lever 12 does not tilt when the pressing operation portion 80 is pressed.

[0065] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, in the present embodiment, the vertical line Lp and the operation direction Z1 are along the height direction, so the operation direction Z1 and the vertical line Lp have the same orientation, that is, the angle The force applied to the rod 12 by operating the push operation part 80 in the operation direction Z1 is directed through the first axis L1 of the rod 12. Therefore, no torque caused by the force applied to the push operation part 80 is generated in the rod 12. Therefore, the position of the rod 12 can be maintained even when the push operation part 80 is operated. Thus, erroneous operation of the rod 12 caused by the operation of the push operation part 80 can be suppressed.

[0066] The first tilting portion 40 is provided with a step mechanism 60. The step mechanism 60 imparts a step to the tilting operation around the first axis L1 by the force of the force applying member 62. Thus, the step mechanism 60 imparts an operation resistance to the tilting operation around the first axis L1. Therefore, even when the pressing operation portion 80 is tilted relative to the vertical line Lp, as long as the resistance of the step mechanism 60 is not exceeded, a torque caused by the force applied to the pressing operation portion 80 is not generated.

[0067] Hereinafter, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0068] (1) The switch device 10 includes: a switch body 11 provided on the back side of the special-shaped steering operation part 1; and a rod 12 mounted on the switch body 11 in a manner that the switch can be switched by tilting operation around a first axis L1, the first axis L1 extending in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2. In addition, the rod 12 includes: a rod shaft 13 extending in a direction intersecting the first axis L1 of the tilting operation; a rod head 14 formed at the top end of the rod shaft 13 in a manner larger than the diameter of the rod shaft 13; and a pressing operation part 80 provided in a manner that the switch can be switched by pressing operation. Moreover, the pressing operation part 80 is provided in a manner that the operation direction Z1 of the pressing operation is toward the first axis L1. According to this structure, since the force applied to the rod 12 when the pressing operation part 80 is operated is toward the first axis L1, it is difficult for the rod 12 to move around the first axis L1 by the force applied to the pressing operation part 80. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of the lever portion 12 due to operation of the pressing operation portion 80 .

[0069] (2) The head portion 14 is formed in a shape extending from the shaft portion 13 to both sides in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft portion 13. In addition, the pressing operation portion 80 is provided on the top surface 14b of the head portion 14. According to this structure, the pressing operation portion 80 can be provided on a surface of the head portion 14 that is easy to operate.

[0070] (3) The rod shaft portion 13 includes: a base portion 16 extending in a direction intersecting the first axis L1; and an arm portion 17 provided on the base portion 16 so as to extend from the back side toward the front side of the special-shaped steering operation portion 1. According to this structure, the rod head portion 14 can be arranged at a position close to the grip portion 5 of the special-shaped steering operation portion 1 in the axial direction. This contributes to the improvement of operability.

[0071] (4) The switch device 10 is provided with a step mechanism 60, which provides a step for the tilting operation in the direction around the axis of the steering shaft 2, that is, the tilting operation around the first axis L1. According to this structure, the position of the rod 12 can be maintained by the step around the first axis L1. This can help prevent erroneous operation.

[0072] (5) The push operation portion 80 is arranged so that the operation direction Z1 of the push operation is consistent with the vertical line Lp connecting the push operation portion 80 and the first axis L1. According to this structure, the force applied when the push operation portion 80 is operated passes through the first axis L1. Therefore, no torque caused by the force applied to the push operation portion 80 is generated in the circumferential direction of the first axis L1. Therefore, it is further advantageous to suppress erroneous operation.

[0073] (6) The switch body 11 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the special-shaped steering operation part 1. According to this structure, it is applicable to the switch device 10 which is rotatable integrally with the special-shaped steering operation part 1.

[0074] In addition, the present embodiment can be implemented as follows: The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0075] [About the push operation unit 80]

[0076] The push operation part 80 may not be arranged in such a way that its operation direction Z1 and the vertical line Lp coincide with each other. For example, the push operation part 80 may be arranged in such a way that the angle between the vertical line Lp and the operation direction Z1 is In other words, the operation direction Z1 only needs to be toward the first axis L1.

[0077] The circumferential position of the push operation portion 80 with respect to the steering shaft 2 and the operation direction Z1 are not limited to the present embodiment. The push operation portion 80 may be disposed laterally with respect to the steering shaft 2 and operated in the width direction, for example.

[0078] The number of the pressing operation parts 80 may be one, two, or three or more on the head 14 .

[0079] The function of the switch provided in the pressing operation portion 80 is not particularly limited.

[0080] [About the switch body 11]

[0081] As shown in Fig. 15 (a) and (b), a recess 65 may be provided on the inclined surface 64 in the articulation mechanism 60, and the recess 65 is used to maintain the rod 12 at a predetermined operating angle. The abutment portion 61 is maintained by the force of the force member 62 in a state where it is embedded in the recess 65 by tilting. Thus, the rod 12 is maintained at a predetermined operating angle. In addition, when the rod 12 is operated in the opposite direction to the force of the force member 62 from the state where the abutment portion 61 is embedded in the recess 65, the abutment portion 61 is disengaged from the recess 65, thereby allowing the tilting of the rod 12. That is, the rod 12 may also be provided to take a fixed action. In addition, the recess 65 may also be provided in the articulation mechanism 60, the articulation mechanism 70, or both. In addition, the mechanism for maintaining the rod 12 in a fixed manner may also be provided in a member different from the articulation mechanisms 60 and 70.

[0082] The hinge mechanisms 60 and 70 are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be provided in a member different from the first tilting portion 40 and the second tilting portion 50, for example.

[0083] The switch body 11 may support the lever 12 in a momentary motion or in a fixed motion.

[0084] The switch body 11 is not limited to being covered by the back cover 7 of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1, and may be covered by a cover on the vehicle body side such as a steering column cover. In addition, the switch body 11 itself may form a part of the outer contour on the back side of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1. For example, the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22 may also constitute a part of the outer contour on the back side of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1, and be provided in a manner to cover the flange 15.

[0085] [Regarding the rod 12]

[0086] The shape of the head 14 is not limited to the present embodiment, and for example, the back surface 14a may be arranged without being inclined relative to the axial direction. However, the head 14 is arranged so that the outer side in the width direction becomes thinner in the axial direction, which is advantageous in preventing the head from contacting the user's foot or the like during rotation.

[0087] The head 14 may include a plurality of display units 18. For example, there may be one, two, or three or more display units 18. In addition, the display unit 18 is not limited to being provided only on the portion of the head 14 exposed on the front side, but may also be provided on the top surface.

[0088] The display portion 18 of the club head 14 can be omitted.

[0089] The extension direction of the rod head 14 may be the same as the operation direction of the rod operation, for example, it may extend in the axial direction or the height direction. In other words, it only needs to be set in a shape larger than the diameter of the rod shaft 13. The diameter of the rod shaft 13 is, for example, the dimension in the intersecting direction intersecting the extension direction of the rod shaft 13.

[0090] The arm portion 17 of the lever shaft portion 13 is not limited to extending from the rear side to the front side in the axial direction, and may be provided so as to extend from the front side to the rear side.

[0091] The rod portion 12 is not limited to being arranged on the back surface of the special-shaped steering operation portion 1, and may be arranged on other locations such as the side surface or the front surface.

[0092] The rod portion 12 may protrude in the height direction or the width direction of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1 when the special-shaped steering operation unit 1 is viewed from the front.

[0093] The rod portion 12 may be arranged at any position in the circumferential direction of the special-shaped steering operation portion 1 .

[0094] The connection direction A between the rod portion 12 and the switch body portion 11 is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be, for example, a direction along the radial direction of the steering shaft 2 .

[0095] The bent shape of the base portion 16 is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the base portion 16 may be bent from the connection direction A to the width direction side.

[0096] [other]

[0097] The switch devices 10 are not limited to being provided in two in the special-shaped steering operation unit 1, and for example, one switch device 10 may be provided, or three or more switch devices may be provided.

[0098] The switch device 10 may be provided only on one side of the special-shaped steering operation unit 1. That is, the switch device 10 is not limited to being symmetrically provided.

[0099] The steering operation portion is not limited to the special-shaped steering operation portion 1. A circular steering operation portion may also be used.

[0100] The switch device 10 is not limited to being provided integrally with the steering operation part, and may be provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the steering operation part like a conventional lever combination switch.

[0101] Various switch functions provided in the switch device 10 can be applied to functions other than those in the embodiment.

[0102] · The switching of various switch functions can be applied to various switches such as tactile switches and toggle switches. That is, the first contact 81, the second contact 82, and the third contact 83 are not particularly limited. In addition, various switches may also be sensors.

[0103] Description of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1: special-shaped steering operating part; 2: steering shaft; 10: switch device; 11: switch body; 12: rod; 13: rod shaft; 14: rod head; 14b: top surface; 20: switch mechanism; 40: first tilting part; 50: second tilting part; 60: articulation mechanism; 70: articulation mechanism; 80: pressing operating part; L1: first axis; L2: second axis; Lp: vertical line; Z1: operating direction.

Claims

1. A switch device, which is a lever-type switch device (10) having a plurality of switch functions for operating a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices, the switch device comprising: a switch body (11) disposed on the back side of a steering operation unit (1) that is rotated to perform a steering operation on the vehicle; and A rod portion (12) is mounted on the switch body portion (11) in such a manner that the switch can be switched by tilting operation around an axis (L1), wherein the axis (L1) extends in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the steering operation portion (1). The rod portion (12) comprises: a rod shaft portion (13) extending in a direction intersecting the axis (L1) of the tilting operation; a rod head portion (14) formed at the top end of the rod shaft portion (13) in a manner larger than the diameter of the rod shaft portion (13); and a pressing operation portion (80) provided on the rod head portion (14) in a manner capable of switching by pressing operation. The pressing operation portion (80) is arranged in such a way that the operation direction of the pressing operation faces the axis (L1), The rod head (14) has a shape extending from the rod shaft (13) to both sides in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rod shaft (13). The rod head (14) extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis (L1). The pressing operation portion (80) is arranged on the top surface (14b) of the rod head (14).

2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein: The lever shaft portion (13) comprises: a base portion (16) extending in a direction intersecting the axis (L1); and an arm portion (17) provided on the base portion (16) so as to extend from the back side toward the front side of the steering operation portion. The rod head (14) is provided at the top end of the arm portion (17) and is arranged on the back side of the steering operation portion (1).

3. The switch device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A joint mechanism (60) is provided, and the joint mechanism (60) imparts joint to the tilting operation of the rod (12) around the axis (L1).

4. The switch device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The pressing operation portion (80) is arranged in such a manner that the operation direction of the pressing operation coincides with a line connecting the pressing operation portion (80) and the axis (L1).

5. The switch device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The switch body (11) is arranged to be rotatable integrally with the steering operating part (1).

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