A new type of steering wheel switch assembly

Abstract

This utility model relates to a novel steering wheel switch assembly, including a left switch and a right switch. Each switch includes a housing, a base, a cover, a circuit board, and a circular button panel. A partition is integrally formed on the inner side of the housing. The base is fastened to the inner rear of the housing. The circuit board is located between the base and the partition. The cover is fastened to the front of the housing. A button cavity is formed between the cover and the partition. A button opening is provided on the cover corresponding to the button cavity. The circular button panel is movably disposed within the button opening. The circuit board has several first microswitches. The partition has protrusions corresponding to each first microswitch within the button cavity. Each protrusion has a through-hole, and a push rod for contacting the first microswitch is provided within the through-hole. The circular button panel has a pressure plate for contacting the push rod. A drainage outlet is provided on the lower side of the button cavity of the housing. This utility model improves the waterproof protection of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive switch technology, and in particular to a novel steering wheel switch assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Steering wheel switches typically refer to control buttons installed on a car's steering wheel. These buttons allow the driver to operate certain functions within the vehicle without taking their hands off the wheel. Common functions include controlling the audio system (such as volume adjustment and song switching), answering or ending Bluetooth calls, activating voice control, and cruise control.

[0003] With the development of the automotive industry and the increasing demands of consumers for driving experience, the safety of vehicle control systems has become one of the important indicators for measuring the quality of automobiles.

[0004] In practical use, the in-vehicle environment is complex and variable, especially in humid or rainy weather. The steering wheel and its control switches are easily affected by water vapor or liquid splashes. Traditional steering wheel switches are relatively weak in waterproofing, which may cause electrical faults and increase safety hazards. As vehicles have more and more functions, steering wheel switches have become more complex. With the increase in buttons, how to better ensure the waterproofing performance of steering wheel switches has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model proposes a novel steering wheel switch assembly, which solves the above-mentioned problems existing in the use of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: A novel steering wheel switch assembly includes a left switch and a right switch. Wiring harnesses are connected to the left and right switches respectively, and these harnesses are connected to an external connector. Each left and right switch includes a housing, a base, a cover, a circuit board, and a circular button panel. A partition is integrally formed on the inner side of the housing. The base is fastened to the inner rear of the housing. The circuit board is located between the base and the partition. The cover is fastened to the front of the housing. A button cavity is formed between the cover and the partition. A button is positioned on the cover corresponding to the button... The button cavity has a button opening, and the circular button panel is movably disposed within the button opening. The circuit board has a plurality of first micro switches. The partition has protrusions in the button cavity corresponding to each of the first micro switches, which protrude towards the circular button panel. Each of the protrusions has a through-hole leading to the corresponding first micro switch. The through-hole has a push rod for contacting the first micro switch. The circular button panel has an integrally formed pressure plate for contacting the end of the push rod away from the first micro switch. The outer casing has a drain outlet on the lower side of the button cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the circular button panel is provided with button markings corresponding to the first microswitches. There are four first microswitches and four corresponding button markings, which are located on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the circular button panel. The circuit board is provided with LED indicator lights on one side of each first microswitch. The partition is provided with a frame protruding towards the circular button panel in the button cavity corresponding to each LED indicator light. A light opening connecting the LED indicator light and the button markings passes through the frame.

[0008] Preferably, a panel support is provided between the circular button panel and the partition. A first rotating shaft is provided on the frame on both the left and right sides of the panel support. Rotating shaft holes for the first rotating shafts to rotate and engage are provided on the left and right sides of the panel support. A second rotating shaft is integrally formed on the upper and lower sides of the panel support. A connecting plate that rotates and engages with the second rotating shaft is provided on the rear side of the circular button panel.

[0009] Preferably, the circular button panel has a toggle opening in the center, a toggle key is provided in the toggle opening, the panel bracket has an assembly opening, the partition has a rotating connecting plate integrally formed in the assembly opening, the rotating connecting plate is rotatably fitted with a toggle bracket, the toggle bracket has pressing arms on both the upper and lower sides, the partition has a second protrusion at the position corresponding to the pressing arm, a second push rod is movably disposed in the second protrusion, the circuit board has a second micro switch corresponding to the second push rod, and the toggle key is assembled on the toggle bracket.

[0010] Preferably, the toggle key is movably mounted in the toggle bracket, the partition is provided with a third protrusion at the position corresponding to the toggle key, a third push rod is movably disposed in the third protrusion, and a third micro switch is provided on the circuit board corresponding to the third push rod.

[0011] Preferably, the toggle key has several sliding grooves on its side, the toggle bracket has a slide bar integrally formed therein that slides in the sliding grooves, the toggle key also has a limit buckle integrally formed therein, and the toggle bracket has a slot for the limit buckle to be movably assembled therein.

[0012] Preferably, the partition is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks that protrude toward the rear edge of the circular button panel.

[0013] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. This utility model places the circuit board within a sealed space formed between the base and the partition, effectively preventing external moisture or liquid from directly contacting electronic components, thereby reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions caused by humidity. The button cavity between the cover and the partition provides an independent space to accommodate the button operating mechanism. When moisture accidentally enters, it can be quickly drained through the drain outlet located on the lower side of the button cavity, avoiding damage caused by moisture accumulation. Each protrusion corresponds to a first microswitch and has an opening that allows the push rod to pass through and abut against the first microswitch. This design not only ensures the accuracy of button operation but also, due to the presence of the protrusions, limits the possibility of moisture entering the circuit board area through the opening, further enhancing waterproof performance.

[0015] 2. The combination of button labels and LED indicator lights provides clear operation guidance, especially improving user accuracy in low-light environments. The frame design not only enhances waterproofing but also ensures effective light transmission.

[0016] 3. The toggle keys and their connection mechanism provide additional operation methods, including the up and down movement of the toggle keys and pressing them, which increases the flexibility of user interaction and makes function control more intuitive and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure when observed from another angle;

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the right switch in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when observing from the rear;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the right switch in this utility model after the faceplate has been removed;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure when observing from the rear;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the right switch after removing the cover and the circular button panel in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 For the present utility model in Figure 7 Based on the structural diagram of removing the panel bracket;

[0026] Figure 9 For the present utility model in Figure 8 The structural diagram with the toggle keys removed is based on the original diagram.

[0027] Figure 10 For the present utility model in Figure 9 The structural diagram of removing the toggle bracket is based on this.

[0028] In the diagram: 11. Left switch; 12. Right switch; 13. Wiring harness; 14. Connector; 2. Housing; 21. Drain outlet; 3. Partition; 31. Button cavity; 32. Protruding post; 321. Movable opening; 322. Push rod; 33. Frame; 331. Light outlet; 332. First rotating shaft; 34. Rotating connecting plate; 35. Second protruding post; 36. Second push rod; 37. Third protruding post; 38. Third push rod; 39. Limiting block; 4. Base; 5. Cover; 51. Button opening; 6. 61. Circuit board; 62. First micro switch; 63. LED indicator; 64. Second micro switch; 7. Third micro switch; 7. Circular button panel; 71. Pressure plate; 72. Button label; 73. Connecting plate; 74. Toggle opening; 8. Panel bracket; 81. Rotary shaft hole; 82. Second rotating shaft; 83. Assembly port; 91. Toggle key; 911. Slide groove; 912. Limit buckle; 92. Toggle bracket; 921. Pressing arm; 922. Slide bar; 923. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following will refer to the appendix in the embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1-10 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] Example:

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this utility model discloses a novel steering wheel switch assembly, including a left switch 11 and a right switch 12. Wiring harnesses 13 are respectively connected to the left switch 11 and the right switch 12, and the wiring harnesses 13 are connected to an external connector 14, as shown. Figures 2 to 10 As shown, both the left switch 11 and the right switch 12 include a housing 2, a base 4, a cover 5, a circuit board 6, and a circular button panel 7. A partition 3 is integrally formed on the inner side of the housing 2. The base 4 is fastened to the inner rear side of the housing 2. The circuit board 6 is located between the base 4 and the partition 3. The housing 2 and the partition 3, together with the base 4, provide protection for the circuit board 6. Additionally, the cover 5 is fastened to the front side of the housing 2. A button cavity 31 is located between the cover 5 and the partition 3. A button opening 51 is provided on the cover 5 corresponding to the button cavity 31. The circular button panel 7 is movably disposed within the button opening 51. The circuit board 6 is provided with a number of first micro switches 61. The partition 3 is provided with a protrusion 32 in the button cavity 31 corresponding to each first micro switch 61, which protrudes towards the circular button panel 7. Each protrusion 32 is provided with a movable opening 321 that leads to the corresponding first micro switch 61. A push rod 322 is provided in the movable opening 321 for contacting the first micro switch 61. The circular button panel 7 is integrally formed with a pressure plate 71 for contacting the end of the push rod 322 away from the first micro switch 61. In addition, the outer shell 2 is provided with a drain outlet 21 on the lower side of the button cavity 31.

[0032] This invention places the circuit board 6 within a sealed space formed between the base 4 and the partition 3, effectively preventing external moisture or liquid from directly contacting the electronic components, thereby reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions caused by moisture. The button cavity 31 between the cover 5 and the partition 3 provides an independent space to accommodate the button operation mechanism. When moisture accidentally enters, it can be quickly drained through the drain outlet 21 located on the lower side of the button cavity 31, preventing damage caused by moisture accumulation. Each protrusion 32 corresponds to a first microswitch 61 and has an opening 321 on it, allowing the push rod 322 to pass through and abut against the first microswitch 61. This design not only ensures the accuracy of button operation but also, due to the presence of the protrusion 32, limits the possibility of moisture entering the area where the circuit board 6 is located through the opening 321, further enhancing the waterproof performance.

[0033] Furthermore, the circular button panel 7 is provided with button markings 72 corresponding to the first micro switches 61. In this embodiment, there are four first micro switches 61, so there are also four button markings 72, which are located on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the circular button panel 7 respectively. In addition, in order to provide clear operation guidance in dark environments, the circuit board 6 is provided with LED indicator lights 62 on one side of each first micro switch 61. The partition 3 is provided with a frame 33 protruding towards the circular button panel 7 in the button cavity 31 corresponding to each LED indicator light 62. A light port 331 connecting the LED indicator light 62 and the button markings 72 passes through the frame 33. The design of the frame 33 not only enhances waterproofness but also ensures effective light transmission.

[0034] like Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the specific structure of the circular button panel 7, which is movably disposed within the button opening 51, is as follows: a panel support 8 is provided between the circular button panel 7 and the partition 3, and a first rotating shaft 332 is provided on the left and right sides of the frame 33 of the panel support 8. Rotating shaft holes 81 are provided on the left and right sides of the panel support 8 for the first rotating shafts 332 to rotate and engage. In addition, a second rotating shaft 82 is integrally formed on the upper and lower sides of the panel support 8, and a connecting plate 73 is provided on the rear side of the circular button panel 7, which rotatably engages with the second rotating shafts 82. This is because the four first microswitches are respectively located on the circular button panel... The circular button panel 7 is positioned at four locations: top, bottom, left, and right. Therefore, in conjunction with the panel bracket 8, pressing the top, bottom, left, or right side of the circular button panel 7 will cause a certain positional rotation displacement of the circular button panel 7, which facilitates the pressure plate 71 to push the push rod 322. In addition, the partition 3 is provided with several limiting blocks 39 protruding towards the rear edge of the circular button panel 7. The limiting blocks 39 limit the maximum displacement distance of the circular button panel 7 when pressed, so that the circular button panel 7 can press the first micro switch 61 by pushing the push rod 322 through the pressure plate 71.

[0035] In this invention, a toggle opening 74 is provided in the center of the circular button panel 7, and a toggle key 91 is provided inside the toggle opening 74. An assembly opening 83 is provided on the panel support 8, and a rotating connecting plate 34 is integrally formed in the assembly opening 83 within the partition 3. A toggle bracket 92 is rotatably fitted on the rotating connecting plate 34. Pressing arms 921 are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the toggle bracket 92. In addition, a second protrusion 35 is provided on the partition 3 at the position corresponding to the pressing arm 921, and a second push rod 36 is movably disposed in the second protrusion 35. A second micro switch 63 is provided on the circuit board 6 corresponding to the second push rod 36. The toggle key 91 is mounted on the toggle bracket 92. Therefore, whether the toggle key 91 is moved up or down, the toggle key 91 will drive the toggle bracket 92 to rotate together, thereby causing the pressing arm 921 on the upper or lower side to press the second micro switch 63, thereby achieving the purpose of signal output.

[0036] Furthermore, the toggle key 91 is movably mounted within the toggle bracket 92, and the partition 3 has a third protrusion 37 at the position corresponding to the toggle key 91. A third push rod 38 is movably disposed within the third protrusion 37, and a third micro switch 64 is provided on the circuit board 6 corresponding to the third push rod 38. That is to say, the toggle key 91 can be moved up or down, or it can be pressed to drive the third micro switch 64 to output a signal.

[0037] The specific structure of the toggle key 91 being movably assembled in the toggle bracket 92 is as follows: several grooves 911 are provided on the side of the toggle key 91, and a slide bar 922 is integrally formed on the toggle bracket 92, which slides in the grooves 911. In addition, a limit buckle 912 is integrally formed on the toggle key 91, and a slot 923 is provided on the toggle bracket 92 for the limit buckle 912 to be movably assembled in it. The cooperation between the limit buckle 912 and the slot 923 prevents the toggle key 91 from falling out of the toggle bracket 92.

[0038] It should also be noted that the terms used in this utility model, such as "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A novel steering wheel switch assembly, comprising a left switch and a right switch, wherein wiring harnesses are respectively connected to the left switch and the right switch, and the wiring harnesses are connected to an external connector, characterized in that: Both the left and right switches include a housing, a base, a cover, a circuit board, and a circular button panel. A partition is integrally formed on the inner side of the housing. The base is fastened to the inner rear side of the housing. The circuit board is located between the base and the partition. The cover is fastened to the front side of the housing. A button cavity is formed between the cover and the partition. A button opening is provided on the cover corresponding to the button cavity. The circular button panel is movably disposed within the button opening. The circuit board has several first microswitches. The partition has protrusions in the button cavity corresponding to each of the first microswitches, protruding towards the circular button panel. Each protrusion has a through-hole leading to the corresponding first microswitch. A push rod is provided within the through-hole for contacting the first microswitch. A pressure plate is integrally formed on the circular button panel for contacting the end of the push rod away from the first microswitch. A drain outlet is provided on the lower side of the button cavity of the housing.

2. The novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circular button panel has button markings corresponding to the first microswitches. There are four first microswitches and four corresponding button markings, which are located on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the circular button panel. The circuit board has an LED indicator on one side of each first microswitch. The partition has a frame protruding towards the circular button panel inside the button cavity, corresponding to each LED indicator. A light opening connecting the LED indicator and the button marking is passed through the frame.

3. A novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A panel support is provided between the circular button panel and the partition. A first rotating shaft is provided on the frame on both the left and right sides of the panel support. Rotating shaft holes for the first rotating shafts to rotate and engage are provided on the left and right sides of the panel support. A second rotating shaft is integrally formed on the upper and lower sides of the panel support. A connecting plate that rotates and engages with the second rotating shaft is provided on the rear side of the circular button panel.

4. A novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The circular button panel has a toggle opening in the center, and a toggle key is provided inside the toggle opening. The panel support has an assembly opening, and a rotating connecting plate is integrally formed in the assembly opening of the partition. A toggle bracket is rotatably fitted on the rotating connecting plate. Pressing arms are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the toggle bracket. A second protrusion is provided on the partition at the position corresponding to the pressing arm. A second push rod is movably disposed in the second protrusion. A second micro switch is provided on the circuit board corresponding to the second push rod. The toggle key is assembled on the toggle bracket.

5. A novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The toggle key is movably mounted in the toggle bracket. The partition has a third protrusion at the position corresponding to the toggle key. A third push rod is movably disposed in the third protrusion. A third micro switch is provided on the circuit board corresponding to the third push rod.

6. A novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The toggle key has several sliding grooves on its side, and the toggle bracket has a slide bar integrally formed in the sliding grooves. The toggle key also has a limit buckle integrally formed, and the toggle bracket has a slot for the limit buckle to be movably assembled.

7. A novel steering wheel switch assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The partition is provided with several limiting blocks that protrude toward the rear edge of the circular button panel.

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