Combined switch lever and combined switch control module

By using a flexible circuit board to contact the knob in the combination switch lever, size and cost limitations were overcome, resulting in a miniaturized and cost-reduced combination switch control module.

CN224328638UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05VALEO INTERIOR CONTROLS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
VALEO INTERIOR CONTROLS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Due to size limitations and cost control, existing combination switch levers cannot use rigid circuit boards, resulting in complex circuit connections and high costs.

Method used

A flexible circuit board is used to contact the knob and is connected to the main circuit board via a bracket, eliminating the need for a rigid circuit board and wiring harness, thus achieving electrical connection between the knob and the main circuit board.

Benefits of technology

This enables miniaturized combination switches and knobs, reducing costs while ensuring the stability and flexibility of signal transmission.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of combined switch dialing rod and combined switch control module.The combined switch dialing rod (100) is connected with combined switch body (200), and the combined switch dialing rod includes: at least one knob (110);Shaft (30), at least one knob (110) is located in one end of shaft (30), the other end of shaft (30) is connected with combined switch body (200), and combined switch body (200) is used to accommodate main circuit board (60);Support (40), at least one knob (110) is set on support (40), and can rotate relative to support (40);Flexible circuit board (50), flexible circuit board is set on support (40) and contact with at least one knob (110), and flexible circuit board (50) extends outward from one end of support (40) close to combined switch body (200) and passes through shaft (30), to extend and connect to main circuit board (60) in combined switch body (200).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a combination switch lever and a combination switch control module. Background Technology

[0002] Combination switch levers include functions such as light and / or wiper control. Drivers can control the vehicle's lighting, turn signals, headlights, and wipers using the handles, knobs, and buttons on the combination switch lever. In existing combination switch levers, rigid circuit boards are typically used and electrically connected to the knobs and main circuit board via multiple wiring harnesses. However, in some cases, due to size limitations and cost control considerations, rigid circuit boards may not be feasible. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a combination switch lever and a combination switch control module.

[0004] On one hand, a combination switch lever is provided, which is connected to a combination switch body. The combination switch lever includes: at least one knob; a rod body, with the at least one knob located at one end of the rod body and the other end of the rod body connected to the combination switch body, the combination switch body accommodating a main circuit board; a bracket, with the at least one knob sleeved on the bracket and rotatable relative to the bracket; and a flexible circuit board disposed on the bracket and in contact with the at least one knob, the flexible circuit board extending outward from one end of the bracket near the combination switch body through the rod body to extend and connect to the main circuit board within the combination switch body.

[0005] In one embodiment, the bracket is configured to extend in an axial direction and includes a first surface and a second surface disposed perpendicular to the axial direction, the first surface facing away from the combination switch body and the second surface facing the combination switch body; the flexible circuit board includes a first contact portion disposed on the first surface and a second contact portion disposed on the second surface; and the at least one knob includes a first knob and a second knob, the first knob being configured to contact the first contact portion and the second knob being configured to contact the second contact portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first knob includes a first spring piece configured to contact a first contact pad in the first contact portion to electrically connect the first knob to the flexible circuit board; and the second knob includes a second spring piece configured to contact a second contact pad in the second contact portion to electrically connect the second knob to the flexible circuit board.

[0007] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes a transition portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the transition portion being connected to one end of the second contact portion, and the flexible circuit board further includes an extension portion connected to the other end of the second contact portion; the bracket further includes a third surface extending outward from the second surface along the axial direction, a portion of the extension portion being disposed on the third surface and continuing to extend outward from the end of the third surface near the combination switch body through the rod.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the extension portion are attached to the bracket.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first surface and the second surface are spaced apart from each other, and a fourth surface parallel to the axial direction is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a portion of the transition portion of the flexible circuit board is disposed on the fourth surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the transition portion is provided with at least one riveting hole, and the transition portion is fixed to the fourth surface through the at least one riveting hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bracket further includes a snap-fit ​​structure disposed near the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and the first knob and the second knob are respectively disposed on the bracket through the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first spring and the second spring each include a plurality of claws symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0013] On the other hand, a combination switch control module is provided, which includes a combination switch lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A diagram showing a combination switch lever and a combination switch body according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0015] Figure 2 A diagram showing a combination switch lever and a combination switch body in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0016] Figure 3 A diagram showing a portion of a combination switch lever according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0017] Figure 4Another diagram shows a portion of the combination switch lever according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 A diagram showing a flexible circuit board in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0019] Figure 6 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle.

[0020] Figure 7 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle.

[0021] Figure 8 A diagram of a knob according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of this utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of this utility model and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0025] Figure 1 A diagram showing a combination switch lever and a combination switch body according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2 A diagram showing a combination switch lever and a combination switch body in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 3 A diagram showing a portion of a combination switch lever according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0026] The combination switch lever 100 can be located on the steering column of the car's steering wheel, and the combination switch body 200 can be located below the car's steering wheel. The combination switch body 200 can accommodate a main circuit board 60 for controlling car functions, and the combination switch lever 100 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 60 to, for example, realize the control of the car's lights and / or wipers.

[0027] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the combination switch lever 100 includes at least one knob 110 and a lever body 30. The at least one knob 110 is located at one end of the lever body 30, and the other end of the lever body 30 is connected to the combination switch body 200. The combination switch lever 100 also includes a bracket 40 and a flexible circuit board 50. The at least one knob 110 is sleeved on the bracket 40 and is rotatable relative to the bracket 40. The flexible circuit board 50 is disposed on the bracket 40 and contacts the at least one knob 110. Thus, the at least one knob 110 transmits a functional signal to the flexible circuit board 50 through contact with the flexible circuit board 50. Furthermore, the at least one knob 110 can be rotated to control the transmission of signals at different levels, such as turning off the lights, turning on the high beams, turning on the wipers, turning off the wipers, and adjusting the wiper speed.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the flexible circuit board 50 can extend outward from one end of the bracket 40 near the combination switch body 200 through the rod 30 to extend and connect to the main circuit board 60 within the combination switch body 200. As an example, the flexible circuit board 50 can be configured to extend along a suitable extension path within the rod 30 from end D1 of the bracket 40 to end D2 of the rod 30 connected to the combination switch body 200, and continue outward from end D2 to the outer surface 210 of the combination switch body 200, extending along a predetermined channel on the outer surface 210 to the main circuit board connector of the main circuit board 60. The flexible circuit board 50 achieves electrical connection to the main circuit board 60 through connection with the main circuit board connector.

[0029] In this way, the present invention eliminates the need for conventional rigid circuit boards and wiring harnesses by incorporating a flexible circuit board 50 within the combination switch lever 100 and electrically connecting it to at least one knob 110, and extending the flexible circuit board 50 outward from the inside of the combination switch lever 100 until it is electrically connected to the main circuit board 60. This enables the implementation of smaller combination switches and smaller knobs in automobiles. Furthermore, significant cost savings can be achieved by omitting rigid circuit boards and wiring harnesses.

[0030] Figure 4 Another diagram shows a portion of the combination switch lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A diagram showing a flexible circuit board in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3-5As shown, the bracket 40 is configured to extend along the axial direction A. The bracket 40 includes a first surface 410 and a second surface 420 disposed perpendicular to the axial direction A. The first surface 410 faces away from the combination switch body 200, and the second surface 420 faces the combination switch body 200. The flexible circuit board 50 includes a first contact portion 510 disposed on the first surface 410 and a second contact portion 520 disposed on the second surface 420. As an example, the first contact portion 510 may be provided with two positioning holes to engage with two positioning posts on the first surface 410, thereby being disposed on the first surface 410 at a suitable position. Similarly, the second contact portion 520 may be provided with two positioning holes to engage with two positioning posts on the second surface 420, thereby being disposed on the second surface 420 at a suitable position.

[0032] like Figure 3-4 As shown, at least one knob 110 may include a first knob 10 and a second knob 20. The first knob 10 is configured to contact a first contact portion 510, and the second knob 20 is configured to contact a second contact portion 520. As an example, the first knob 10 may be fitted onto the side of the first surface 410 facing away from the combination switch body 200 to contact the first contact portion 510 on the first surface 410. The second knob 20 may be fitted onto the side of the second surface 420 facing the combination switch body 200 to contact the second contact portion 520 on the second surface 420. In this way, the first knob 10 and the second knob 20 can each be individually connected to the flexible circuit board 50, enabling multiple function controls to be achieved through the two knobs.

[0033] Figure 6 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle. Figure 7 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle. Figure 8 A diagram of a knob according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6-8 As shown, at least one knob 110 may include a spring. The first knob 10 may include a first spring 110, and the second knob 20 may include a second spring 210. The first knob 10 and the second knob 20 may have the same structure. That is, Figure 8 The knob structure shown can represent both the first knob 10 and the second knob 20. As an example, a spring can be fixedly mounted to the knob body, for example, by bolts. Figure 7-8As shown, the first spring 110 and the second spring 210 may each include a plurality of claws 810 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bracket 40 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A. The plurality of claws 810 may be configured to extend obliquely relative to the spring body 820, such that the first knob 10 and the second knob 20 contact the flexible circuit board 50 through the plurality of claws 810 on their respective springs.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, the first spring 110 is configured to contact the first contact pad 515 in the first contact portion 510 to electrically connect the first knob 10 to the flexible circuit board 50. As an example, the first contact pad 515 may be symmetrically arranged relative to the bracket 40 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A to engage with the plurality of claws 810 of the first spring 110. When the first spring 110 contacts the first contact portion 510, the claws 810 may contact the first contact pad 515 and thus generate a voltage change, producing a functional signal. This functional signal can then be transmitted through the flexible circuit board 50 to the main circuit board 60 to perform a corresponding function. When the first knob 10 is rotated, the first spring 110 may rotate with the first knob 10 and change the contact area with the first contact pad 515. That is, after rotating the first knob 10, the first spring 110 changes to contact an area of ​​the first contact pad 515 that is different from the previous contact area. This generates another voltage change and thus another functional signal. The main circuit board 60 receives this other functional signal to change the function level, that is, to switch to execute different functions.

[0036] Similarly, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second spring 210 is configured to contact the second contact pad 525 in the second contact portion 520 to electrically connect the second knob 20 to the flexible circuit board 50. As an example, the second contact pad 525 may be symmetrically arranged relative to the bracket 40 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A to engage with the plurality of claws 810 of the second spring 210. When the second spring 210 contacts the second contact portion 520, the claws 810 may contact the second contact pad 525 and thus generate a voltage change, producing a functional signal. This functional signal can then be transmitted to the main circuit board 60 via the flexible circuit board 50 to perform a corresponding function. When the second knob 20 is rotated, the second spring 210 may rotate with the second knob 20 and change the contact area with the second contact pad 525. That is, after rotating the second knob 20, the second spring 210 changes to contact an area of ​​the second contact pad 525 that is different from the previous contact area. This generates another voltage change and thus another functional signal. The main circuit board 60 receives this other functional signal to change the function level, that is, to switch to execute different functions.

[0037] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the flexible circuit board 50 also includes a transition portion 530 located between the first contact portion 510 and the second contact portion 520. The transition portion 530 is connected to one end of the second contact portion 520. The flexible circuit board 50 also includes an extension portion 540 connected to the other end of the second contact portion 520. The support 40 also includes a third surface 430 extending outward from the second surface 420 along the axial direction A. A portion of the extension portion 540 is disposed on the third surface 430 and continues to extend outward through the rod 30 from the end of the third surface 430 near the combination switch body 200 (i.e., the end D1 of the support 40). In this way, the extension portion 540 of the flexible circuit board 50 can be supported by the third surface 430 to extend flatly. As an example, position limiting members 4301 may be provided on both sides of the third surface 430 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A. The position limiter 4301 can be configured to protrude outward from the third surface 430 to limit the extension portion 540 into place from both sides, thereby ensuring a smooth arrangement of the flexible circuit board 50 and stable signal transmission.

[0038] Preferably, the first contact portion 510, the second contact portion 520, and the extension portion 540 are attached to the bracket 40. As an example, the first contact portion 510, the second contact portion 520, and the extension portion 540 can be attached to their respective portions of the bracket 40 by adhesive bonding. For example, glue can be used to achieve the adhesive bonding effect. In this way, it can be further ensured that the flexible circuit board 50 is in the proper position to guarantee stable signal generation and transmission, while the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective.

[0039] Figure 9 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The diagram shows the combination switch lever at another angle.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, the first surface 410 and the second surface 420 are spaced apart from each other, and a fourth surface 440 parallel to the axial direction A is formed between the first surface 410 and the second surface 420. A portion of the transition portion 530 of the flexible circuit board 50 is disposed on the fourth surface 440. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an internal space can be formed between the first surface 410 and the second surface 420 to accommodate other functional components 90. Since the flexible circuit board 50 is a continuously extending integral component, a transition portion 530 is required between the first contact portion 510 and the second contact portion 520 of the flexible circuit board 50 to extend through the internal space. The transition portion 530 can extend along three sidewalls of the internal space, such that a portion of the transition portion 530 is disposed on the fourth surface 440 of the support 40.

[0041] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, at least one rivet hole 5301 may be provided on the transition portion 530. The transition portion 530 can be fixed to the fourth surface 440 through at least one rivet hole 5301. For example, the transition portion 530 can be fixed to the fourth surface 440 by passing rivets through each rivet hole 5301 and inserting them into the fourth surface 440. In this way, it can be ensured that the transition portion 530 of the flexible circuit board 50 extends close to the sidewall of the internal space without warping, which not only protects the flexible circuit board 50 from damage but also prevents the flexible circuit board 50 from interfering with other functional components (e.g., functional component 90).

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the bracket 40 also includes snap-fit ​​structures 70 respectively disposed near the first surface 410 and the second surface 420. The first knob 10 and the second knob 20 can be respectively mounted on the bracket 40 via the snap-fit ​​structures 70. For example, the snap-fit ​​structures 70 can be configured to protrude outward from the first surface 410 and the second surface 420 of the bracket 40, and the first knob 10 and the second knob 20 can each be provided with a mating structure corresponding to their respective snap-fit ​​structures 70. The knobs can be connected to the bracket 40 by engaging the mating structures with the snap-fit ​​structures 70, making it difficult for the knobs to detach from the bracket 40. Simultaneously, the knobs can be positioned appropriately by means of the snap-fit ​​structures 70 to ensure proper contact with the contact pads of the flexible circuit board 50.

[0043] This utility model also provides a combination switch control module, which may include a combination switch lever 100 according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0045] While some embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A combination switch lever (100), said combination switch lever (100) being connected to a combination switch body (200), characterized in that, include: At least one knob (110); A rod (30) has at least one knob (110) located at one end of the rod (30), and the other end of the rod (30) is connected to the combination switch body (200), which is used to accommodate the main circuit board (60). A bracket (40), wherein at least one knob (110) is fitted on the bracket (40) and is rotatable relative to the bracket (40); A flexible circuit board (50) is disposed on the bracket (40) and in contact with the at least one knob (110). The flexible circuit board (50) extends outward from one end of the bracket (40) near the combination switch body (200) through the rod (30) to extend and connect to the main circuit board (60) inside the combination switch body (200).

2. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (40) is configured to extend along the axial direction (A) and includes a first surface (410) and a second surface (420) disposed perpendicular to the axial direction (A), the first surface (410) facing away from the combination switch body (200) and the second surface (420) facing the combination switch body (200). The flexible circuit board (50) includes a first contact portion (510) disposed on the first surface (410) and a second contact portion (520) disposed on the second surface (420); and The at least one knob (110) includes a first knob (10) and a second knob (20), the first knob (10) being configured to contact the first contact portion (510) and the second knob (20) being configured to contact the second contact portion (520).

3. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first knob (10) includes a first spring (110) configured to contact a first contact pad (515) in the first contact portion (510) to electrically connect the first knob (10) to the flexible circuit board (50); and The second knob (20) includes a second spring (210) configured to contact a second contact pad (525) in the second contact portion (520) to electrically connect the second knob (20) to the flexible circuit board (50).

4. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board (50) further includes a transition portion (530) located between the first contact portion (510) and the second contact portion (520), the transition portion (530) being connected to one end of the second contact portion (520), and the flexible circuit board (50) further includes an extension portion (540) being connected to the other end of the second contact portion (520). The bracket (40) further includes a third surface (430) extending outward from the second surface (420) along the axial direction (A), a portion of the extension (540) being disposed on the third surface (430) and extending outward from the end of the third surface (430) near the combined switch body (200) through the rod (30).

5. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first contact portion (510), the second contact portion (520) and the extension portion (540) are attached to the bracket (40).

6. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first surface (410) and the second surface (420) are spaced apart from each other, and a fourth surface (440) parallel to the axial direction (A) is formed between the first surface (410) and the second surface (420). A portion of the transition portion (530) of the flexible circuit board (50) is disposed on the fourth surface (440).

7. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transition portion (530) is provided with at least one riveting hole (5301), and the transition portion (530) is fixed to the fourth surface (440) through the at least one riveting hole (5301).

8. The combination switch lever (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The bracket (40) further includes a snap-fit ​​structure (70) disposed near the first surface (410) and the second surface (420) respectively, and the first knob (10) and the second knob (20) are respectively disposed on the bracket (40) through the snap-fit ​​structure (70).

9. The combination switch lever (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first spring (110) and the second spring (210) each include a plurality of claws (810) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bracket (40) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (A).

10. A combination switch control module, characterized in that, Includes a combination switch lever (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.