A small double-wheel handlebar switch

Abstract

This application relates to the field of column shifter combination switch technology, specifically disclosing a small double-wheel column shifter switch, which includes a housing composed of upper and lower covers of the handle, an outwardly extending lever fixed inside the housing, a base installed at the other end of the lever, two knobs assembled into one unit by a toothed bracket fixed inside the housing, and a double-sided circuit board installed between the two knobs. The circuit functions on the two ends of the double-sided circuit board are different. The structure is simple and ingenious, solving the problem of insufficient internal space after the number of integrated functions of the column shifter switch increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of column shifter combination switch technology, and specifically to a small double-wheel column shifter switch. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electronics, computers and internet technologies, cars are becoming increasingly intelligent and have more and more functions. However, the space for functional layout inside the car body is limited, which requires car switch functions to be more centralized. Consumers also have new demands for the ease of operation of cars, wanting to make shifting gears more convenient while driving.

[0003] Therefore, car gear shifting methods have evolved beyond the traditional mechanical gear lever, gradually developing into rotary, push-button, and column shifters. Rotary gear shift switches are typically installed on a platform between the driver and passenger seats. Different gears are selected by rotating the knob to different angles. Compared to traditional mechanical shifters, this saves more space, but it can easily confuse the driver. Push-button gear shift switches consist of a row of buttons located on the right front of the driver's seat. They also save space, but the disadvantage is that the driver needs to look at the gearshift while shifting, otherwise, like with rotary shifters, they might shift to the wrong gear. Column shifters are similar to windshield wiper switches, installed on the right rear of the steering wheel. Compared to the aforementioned shifting methods, they are more space-saving and easier for the driver to operate, although it requires some time for the driver to adapt.

[0004] Currently, there are different types of column shifter switches on the market. Existing column shifter switches already integrate the commonly used P, R, N, and D gears in automatic transmissions. Adding functions such as engine braking, manual / automatic transmission switching, and economy / power mode switching requires additional buttons or knobs, resulting in a larger number of parts in the entire shifter structure. The parts within the limited shifter space become complex and difficult to arrange, the lifespan of the shifter switch is compromised, and the overall vehicle production cost increases. Therefore, there is a need to invent a column shifter switch assembly structure that improves the utilization of the internal space of the shifter. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a small double-wheeled column shifter switch to solve the problem of insufficient internal space in the column shifter switch as the number of integrated functions increases.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a small double-wheel shift switch, comprising an upper handle cover and a lower handle cover, wherein the upper handle cover and the lower handle cover can be spliced ​​to form a complete shell, wherein a toothed bracket parallel to the shell is provided inside the shell, and a first knob and a second knob are sleeved on the toothed bracket, wherein a compressible spring ball is provided inside the first knob and the second knob, and a positioning tooth shape that varies along the length of the toothed bracket is formed in the circumferential direction, wherein the spring ball contacts the edge of the positioning tooth shape, and the position of the spring ball on the positioning tooth shape can be changed by rotating the knob.

[0007] The basic principle of this solution is as follows: the toothed bracket serves as the main mounting shaft, and both the first and second knobs are mounted on the toothed bracket and can rotate. A spring ball is compressed between the positioning tooth and the knob. When the knob rotates one notch, the edge of the positioning tooth pushes the spring ball to contract. The change in length of the positioning tooth in the direction of the spring ball's extension and contraction forms a recess to accommodate the ball. The spring ball enters the recess and limits the knob.

[0008] The advantages of this solution are as follows: the existing column shifter switch is only a single knob design, which cannot meet the integration of more functions. This solution, by designing a toothed bracket and a spring ball, sets two knobs in parallel inside the housing of the column shifter switch. This column shifter switch can save space on the center console for related functions, and also allows the driver to shift gears and perform related functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel. The knob can switch functions repeatedly more quickly than ordinary buttons, and the function switching can be achieved imperceptibly.

[0009] Furthermore, the top surface of the first knob is provided with an incomplete light-shielding ring. A first circuit board is mounted on the toothed bracket at the top of the light-shielding ring. Several photoelectric sensors are electrically connected to the first circuit board along its circumference. When the first knob is rotated, the light-shielding ring can slide in and trigger the photoelectric sensors. Different function positions are triggered by varying the number of photoelectric sensors that enter the light-shielding ring during rotation. The first circuit board integrating the photoelectric sensors is integrated on the toothed bracket, combining the physical structure with the circuit driving method, thus saving installation space.

[0010] Furthermore, a contact spring is provided on the bottom surface of the second knob, and a second circuit board is provided on the toothed bracket at the lower end of the contact spring. Several contacts are arranged circumferentially on the second circuit board. When the second knob is rotated, the contact spring can contact the contacts. Rotating the second knob at different angles causes the contact spring to connect different contacts on the second circuit board. The contact spring is mounted on the end face of the knob, occupying little space and with a simplified structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the first knob features a D / N / R switching function. Using the knob to operate the vehicle's forward and reverse gears makes gear shifting very smooth, saving a significant amount of mechanical operation time when repeated gear shifts are required. This is convenient and quick, and the driver's hands do not need to take off the steering wheel, thus avoiding operational risks.

[0012] Furthermore, the second knob incorporates an engine braking function. This design is primarily used in large trucks, where start-stop control is crucial for driving safety. Currently, heavy-duty vehicles utilize engine braking to decelerate, reducing reliance on mechanical friction brakes. Employing a second knob to enable engine braking saves driver time when a rapid response is required.

[0013] Furthermore, a first button with E / P functionality is located at the outer end of the housing. The first button is hinged to the housing via a bracket assembly, which houses two first microswitches. The two ends of the first button abut against the first microswitches. By utilizing the self-resetting and compact, precise characteristics of the microswitches and placing them at the outer end of the housing, other functions can be integrated into the shift switch.

[0014] Furthermore, a second button is provided at the outer end of the housing, which has an A / M function. The second button is slidably connected to the housing via a bracket assembly, on which a second microswitch is provided. The second button abuts against the second microswitch. The second button uses the microswitch to control the manual / automatic switching function of the car, improving the integration of the column shifter.

[0015] Furthermore, a lever is provided inside the housing, and the other end of the lever is hinged to a first component via a pivot. The first component is rotatably connected to the base of the external device, and the rotation center of the first component is perpendicular to the pivot. A shift fork is provided at the bottom of the first component and at the bottom of the lever inside the base. An elastic piece with a contact point is provided at the other end of the shift fork. A third circuit board is provided in the base below the shift fork, and the elastic piece contacts the third circuit board. Rotation of the first component or the lever causes the shift fork to slide on the surface of the third circuit board. Moving the shift lever up and down corresponds to rotating the lever up and down, thus realizing the up and down shifting of the AMT function. Moving the shift lever forward and backward corresponds to rotating the first component forward and backward, realizing the function of the hydraulic retarder.

[0016] Furthermore, the contact area between the third circuit board and the elastic sheet is coated with grease to reduce wear caused by repeated mechanical friction.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic sheet is made of tin bronze. Tin bronze has high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent casting properties. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of removing the handle cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the handle portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second button and the second circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the contact spring sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a micro switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the lever portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the third circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0028] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: handle top cover 1, handle bottom cover 2, toothed bracket 3, positioning tooth 4, spring ball 5, first knob 61, second knob 62, double-sided circuit board 7, photoelectric sensor 71, contact spring sheet 72, fan-shaped contact 73, light shielding ring 8, first button 91, first micro switch 101, second button 92, second micro switch 102, bracket assembly 11, lever 12, rotating shaft 13, first kit 14, first shift fork 151, second shift fork 152, elastic sheet 16, third circuit board 17, and base 18.

[0029] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 To be continued Figure 9 As shown:

[0030] The base 18 is located to the left of the handle, with this direction as the reference.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 of the handle can be joined together to form a complete cover. The toothed bracket 3 is fixed horizontally inside the cover. The toothed bracket 3 is columnar. A ring of positioning teeth 4 is provided at each of the left and right ends of the toothed bracket 3. The positioning teeth 4 at the left end is set on a detachable ring. The ring is engaged with the groove on the outer wall of the toothed bracket 3 by the claws on its inner wall. From right to left, the second knob 62, the second circuit board, the first circuit board, and the first knob 61 are sequentially connected. Both the first knob 61 and the second knob 62 have spring balls 5 installed inside, parallel to the toothed bracket 3. One end of the ball touches the edge of the positioning tooth 4, which is wavy. In this embodiment, each positioning tooth 4 has six troughs, with three troughs forming a group. The two groups of troughs are symmetrically arranged around the toothed bracket 3. Each knob contains two spring balls 5, which are also symmetrically arranged around the toothed bracket 3, so that each spring ball 5 corresponds to a group of troughs. When the knob is rotated, the ball engages in a trough, which is one position. Therefore, each knob has three freely adjustable positions.

[0032] In this embodiment, the second circuit board and the first circuit board are integrated on a double-sided circuit board 7. That is, different functional circuits are set on the left and right ends of the double-sided circuit board 7. The circuit on the left end is triggered by the first knob 61 on the left to perform the D / N / R function, and the circuit on the right end is triggered by the second knob 62 on the right to perform the engine braking function.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, two photoelectric sensors 71 are mounted on the left end face of the double-sided circuit board 7. The photoelectric sensors 71 are concave and are mounted circumferentially along the toothed bracket 3. A partially annular light-shielding ring 8 is provided on the right end face of the first knob 61. When the first knob 61 is rotated, the light-shielding ring 8 can pass through the openings of the photoelectric sensors 71. Since the number of photoelectric sensors 71 passing through the light-shielding ring 8 varies at different rotation angles, different signals are triggered, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the photoelectric switch. Using the light-shielding ring 8, which does not contact the circuit board contacts, for signal triggering reduces the mechanical wear that mechanical contacts may cause to the PCBA, thus ensuring the high reliability of the switch.

[0034] like Figure 4 , 5As shown in the figure, a fan-shaped contact 73 in the shape of a fan ring is provided on the right end face of the double-sided circuit board 7. The fan-shaped contacts 73 are symmetrically arranged along the circumference of the toothed bracket 3. The fan-shaped contacts on one side are arranged in three mutually separated segments, and the fan-shaped contact 73 on the other side is a single segment, and its length corresponds to the total length of the three separated contacts. An annular contact spring piece 72 is installed at the lower end of the second knob 62. The contact spring piece 72 is bent and deformed, and only two points respectively contact the fan-shaped contacts 73 on both sides. Different rotation angles of the first knob 61 determine that the contact spring piece 72 touches one of the three fan-shaped contacts 73, so as to realize the adjustment of different gears of the engine braking function. The two functional circuits are designed on the same double-sided circuit board 7, which improves the circuit integration degree and at the same time improves the space utilization rate of the narrow space inside the shift-by-wire switch.

[0035] A first button 91 and a second button 92 are provided at the rightmost end of the entire handle housing, which respectively implement the E / P and A / M functions. The first button 91 is slidably connected to the right end of the handle upper cover 1 along the length direction of the housing. A bracket assembly 11 is provided on the left side of the first button 91. The bracket assembly 11 is clamped inside the entire handle housing, as Figure 6 、 7 shown. A first micro switch 101 and a second micro switch 102 electrically connected to the circuit board are installed on the bracket assembly 11. The number of the first micro switches 101 is two, and the number of the second micro switches 102 is one. The two types of micro switches are distributed in a "pin" shape. The first button 91 is also hinged on the bracket assembly 11. The two ends of the first button 91 respectively abut on the two first micro switches 101, similar to a rocker button structure. By pressing the first button 91 to make it rock in different directions, the E / P function can be switched. The sliding of the second button 92 triggers the opening and closing of the second micro switch 102, so as to switch the A / M function.

[0036] As Figure 1 、 8 、9 shown, a shift lever 12 is clamped at the left end of the handle housing. The left end of the shift lever 12 extends out of the housing to the left and extends into the seat body 18, and passes through a rotating shaft 13 perpendicular to the paper surface outward, so that the shift lever 12 can swing up and down along the rotating shaft 13. A first kit 14 is sleeved on the left end of the shift lever 12. The first kit 14 is rotatably connected inside the seat body 18. The rotating shaft 141 of the first kit 14 and the rotating shaft 141 of the shift lever 12 are perpendicular to each other. A shift fork is clamped at the bottom of the shift lever 12 and the first kit 14 respectively. An elastic piece 16 is clamped at the lower end of the shift fork. The elastic piece 16 is a tin bronze elastic piece 16. A third circuit board 17 is horizontally clamped inside the seat body 18. The elastic piece 16 touches the surface of the third circuit board 17.

[0037] The shift fork engaged at the bottom of the lever 12 is the first shift fork 151. When the driver moves the lever up or down, the first shift fork 151 deflects left or right, thereby causing the elastic plate 16 to slide left or right on the third circuit board 17. The elastic plate 16 driven by the first shift fork 151 is as follows: Figure 9 The elastic plate 16 on the right side of the handle has three different position states. When the handle is in normal condition, the first shift fork 151 is in a vertical position and the elastic plate 16 is located in the middle of the contact point. When the handle is pushed upward, the end of the lever 12 near the first shift fork 151 swings downward and to the right along the pivot 13, the first shift fork 151 deflects to the right, and the elastic plate 16 slides to the right onto the contact point. When the handle is pushed downward, the first shift fork 151 deflects to the left, and the elastic plate 16 slides to the left onto another contact point, thereby realizing the upshift and downshift of the AMT function.

[0038] The shift fork engaged at the bottom of the first assembly 14 is the second shift fork 152. When the driver pushes the handle back and forth, the first assembly 14 swings back and forth within the seat 18 along the rotation shaft 141, and the second shift fork 152 engages and swings back and forth, causing the elastic plate 16 to slide back and forth on the third circuit board 17. The elastic plate 16 driven by the second shift fork 152 is as follows: Figure 9 The elastic plate 16 on the left side also has three different states. When the handle is pushed forward, the second fork 152 swings forward, causing the elastic plate 16 to slide forward and slide forward to the contact point. When the second fork 152 swings backward, it causes the elastic plate 16 to slide backward and slide backward to another contact point, thus realizing the function of the hydraulic retarder.

[0039] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0040] When operating the dual-wheel shift switch of this invention, rotating the first knob 61 causes the light-shielding ring 8 to pass through different numbers and types of photoelectric sensors 71, thereby achieving the D / N / R switching function. Rotating the second knob 62 causes the contact spring plate 72 to contact different fan-shaped contacts 73, thereby achieving the engine braking function.

[0041] Pressing the second button 92 triggers the second micro switch 102 to achieve the A / M function. Toggling the first button 91 triggers different first micro switches 101 to achieve the E / P function. Moving the handle up and down changes the position of the first shift fork 151 to achieve gear shifting in the AMT function. Moving the handle back and forth changes the position of the second shift fork 152 to achieve the control function of the hydraulic retarder.

[0042] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A small double-wheel shift switch, comprising an upper handle cover and a lower handle cover, characterized in that: The upper and lower covers of the handle can be joined to form a complete shell. Inside the shell is a toothed bracket parallel to the shell, on which a first knob and a second knob are fitted. Each of the first and second knobs contains a compressible spring ball. Positioning teeth that vary in length along the circumference of the toothed bracket are formed, with the spring ball contacting the edge of the positioning teeth. Rotating the knobs changes the position of the spring ball on the positioning teeth. The top surface of the first knob has an incomplete light-shielding ring, and a first circuit board is mounted on the toothed bracket at the top of the light-shielding ring. Two photoelectric sensors are mounted circumferentially on the first circuit board. These photoelectric sensors are concave and... The sensor is mounted circumferentially along the toothed bracket. When the first knob is rotated, the light-shielding ring can slide in and trigger the photoelectric sensor. The bottom surface of the second knob is provided with a contact spring plate. The toothed bracket at the lower end of the contact spring plate is provided with a second circuit board. The second circuit board is provided with fan-shaped contacts arranged circumferentially. The fan-shaped contacts are symmetrically arranged circumferentially along the toothed bracket. One side of the fan-shaped contacts is set into three segments that are separated from each other, and the other side of the fan-shaped contacts is a whole segment. Its length corresponds to the total length of the three segmented contacts. When the second knob is rotated, the contact spring plate can contact the contacts. The second circuit board and the first circuit board are integrated on a double-sided circuit board.

2. The small double-wheeled shift switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first knob is equipped with a D / N / R switching function.

3. A small double-wheeled stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second knob is equipped with an engine braking function.

4. A small double-wheeled shift switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end of the housing is provided with a first button, which has an E / P function. The first button is hinged to the housing through a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is provided with two first microswitches, and the two ends of the first button respectively abut against the first microswitches.

5. A small double-wheeled shift switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end of the housing is provided with a second button, which has an A / M function. The second button is slidably connected to the housing through a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is provided with a second micro switch, and the second button abuts against the second micro switch.

6. A small double-wheeled stop switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing contains a lever, and the other end of the lever is hinged to a first assembly via a pivot. The first assembly is rotatably connected to the base of the external device, and the rotation center of the first assembly is perpendicular to the pivot. The bottom of the first assembly and the bottom of the lever in the base are respectively provided with a fork. The other end of the fork is provided with an elastic piece with a contact point. The base below the fork is provided with a third circuit board, and the elastic piece is in contact with the third circuit board. The rotation of the first assembly or the lever causes the fork to slide on the surface of the third circuit board.

7. A small double-wheeled shift switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The contact area between the third circuit board and the elastic sheet is coated with grease.

8. A small double-wheeled shift switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic sheet is a tin bronze elastic sheet.

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