Combination switch control module and motor vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of combination switch control module (500) and motor vehicle.The combination switch control module includes: combination switch dial lever (10), the combination switch dial lever includes at least one knob (110) and flexible circuit board (120), at least one knob (110) is contacted with flexible circuit board (120) and can be rotated relative to flexible circuit board (120);Combination switch body (20), the combination switch body includes first shell (210), second shell (220), and main circuit board (230) being arranged between first shell (210) and second shell (220);Wherein, the end (130) of combination switch dial lever (10) is connected to combination switch body (20), flexible circuit board (120) extends from end (130) to the outer surface (320) of second shell (220), and along predetermined passageway (40) on outer surface (320) extends to be electrically connected with main circuit board (230).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Automotive combination switch stalks 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 stalk. In existing automotive combination switch stalks, 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 control module and a motor vehicle.

[0004] On one hand, a combination switch control module is provided, wherein the combination switch control module includes: a combination switch lever, the combination switch lever including at least one knob and a flexible circuit board, the at least one knob contacting the flexible circuit board and being rotatable relative to the flexible circuit board; a combination switch body, the combination switch body including a first housing, a second housing, and a main circuit board disposed between the first housing and the second housing; wherein, an end of the combination switch lever is connected to the combination switch body, and the flexible circuit board extends from the end to the outer surface of the second housing and extends along a predetermined channel on the outer surface to be electrically connected to the main circuit board.

[0005] In one embodiment, the outer surface includes a first stepped surface, a second stepped surface at a different height level from the first stepped surface in the height direction, and a vertical surface connecting the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface; the predetermined channel includes a first channel portion disposed on the first stepped surface, the first channel portion being formed in an L-shape, one end of the first channel portion being connected to the combination switch lever to accommodate the flexible circuit board, and the other end of the first channel portion being connected to the vertical surface; and the flexible circuit board extending along the first channel portion in a bent manner.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first channel portion includes a first sub-portion extending along the length direction of the second housing and a second sub-portion extending along the width direction of the second housing; the flexible circuit board includes a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole, the flexible circuit board being constrained in the first sub-portion through the first limiting hole, and the flexible circuit board being constrained in the second sub-portion through the second limiting hole.

[0007] In one embodiment, the predetermined channel further includes a second channel portion disposed on the vertical plane along the height direction, at least a portion of the second channel portion being provided with a position limiting member to constrain the flexible circuit board within the second channel portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the main circuit board is provided with a main circuit board connector, which is located on the side of the vertical surface opposite to the first step surface; the flexible circuit board further includes a third limiting hole, through which the portion of the flexible circuit board extending from the vertical surface to the main circuit board connector is fixed in place.

[0009] In one embodiment, the combination switch control module further includes a cover disposed on the second housing, the cover covering a flexible circuit board extending on the outer surface of the second housing, and the cover is further configured to engage with the first limiting hole, the second limiting hole and the third limiting hole respectively to secure the flexible circuit board extending on the outer surface of the second housing in place.

[0010] In one embodiment, the predetermined channel is defined by two edge members formed on the outer surface of the second housing, the two edge members being integrally formed with the second housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board is configured to extend from the combination switch lever on the side of the end facing the second housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the at least one knob includes a first knob for controlling a first function of the vehicle and a second knob for controlling a second function of the vehicle; the first housing is connectable to the vehicle steering wheel, and the second housing is located on the side of the combination switch body opposite to the vehicle steering wheel.

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

[0014] Figure 1 An exploded view of a combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A bottom view of a combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown at an angle.

[0016] Figure 3 A bottom view of the combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another angle.

[0017] Figure 4An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An enlarged view of part A of the combination switch control module.

[0018] Figure 5 A bottom view of a combination switch control module with a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded view of a combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A bottom view of a combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown at an angle. Figure 3 A bottom view of the combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another angle.

[0022] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the combination switch control module 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a combination switch lever 10 and a combination switch body 20. The combination switch lever 10 can be located on the steering column of the car steering wheel, and the combination switch body 20 can be located below the car steering wheel. Typically, the combination switch body 20 can accommodate a main circuit board 230 for controlling car functions, and the combination switch lever 10 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 to, for example, realize the control of the car's lights and / or wipers.

[0023] The combination switch lever 10 includes at least one knob 110 and a flexible circuit board 120. The knob 110 is configured to contact the flexible circuit board 120 and is rotatable relative to it. As an example, the knob 110 may have a spring, and the flexible circuit board 120 may have pads. By contacting the spring of the knob 110 with the pads of the flexible circuit board 120, a voltage change can be generated on the pads, thereby generating a signal. This signal is then transmitted through the flexible circuit board 120 to the main circuit board 230, and from there to the vehicle's vehicle control system to execute relevant function controls. Furthermore, the knob 110 can be rotated relative to the pads of the flexible circuit board 120 to contact different areas of the pads, thereby selecting and executing different function levels.

[0024] The combination switch body 20 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a main circuit board 230 disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. The first housing 210 may be configured to connect to a vehicle steering wheel, and the second housing 220 may be located on the side of the combination switch body 20 opposite to the vehicle steering wheel. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 constitute a housing that accommodates and includes the main circuit board 230, thereby preventing the main circuit board 230 from contacting the external environment and protecting the electronic components on the main circuit board 230 from damage.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end 130 of the combination switch lever 10 is connected to the combination switch body 20. A flexible circuit board 120 extends from the end 130 to the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220 and extends along a predetermined channel 40 on the outer surface 320 to be electrically connected to the main circuit board 230. As an example, the flexible circuit board 120 can extend from the interior of the combination switch lever 10 all the way to the end 130 of the combination switch lever 10. The flexible circuit board 120 can be configured to extend from the combination switch lever 10 on the side of the end 130 facing the second housing 220 and continue to extend outward from the end 130.

[0026] Subsequently, the flexible circuit board 120 can extend onto the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. A predetermined channel 40 may be provided on the outer surface 320 to define the extension path of the flexible circuit board 120 on the outer surface 320. In this document, a "predetermined channel" can be understood as an extension channel of the flexible circuit board 120 defined by a structural member pre-formed on the outer surface 320. That is, the flexible circuit board 120 can extend along this channel to be guided to be electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 without affecting other components or parts. As an example, such as... Figure 2As shown, the predetermined channel 40 may be defined by two edge members 91, 92 formed on the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. The two edge members 91, 92 may include a first edge member 91 and a second edge member 92. For example, the two edge members 91, 92 may protrude outward from the outer surface 320 to form a recess for receiving the flexible circuit board 120, and may restrict the positional movement of the flexible circuit board 120 in the lateral direction of the flexible circuit board 120, thereby confining the flexible circuit board 120 within the predetermined channel 40. For example, the two edge members 91, 92 may be integrally formed with the second housing 220. For example, the two edge members 91, 92 may extend parallel to each other.

[0027] In this way, the present invention eliminates the need for conventional rigid circuit boards and wiring harnesses by incorporating a flexible circuit board 120 within the combination switch lever 10 and electrically connecting it to at least one knob 110, with the flexible circuit board 120 extending outward from the inside of the combination switch lever 10 until it is electrically connected to the main circuit board 230. This enables the implementation of smaller combination switch levers and smaller knobs in automobiles. Furthermore, significant cost savings can be achieved by omitting rigid circuit boards and wiring harnesses.

[0028] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface 320 includes a first step surface 321, a second step surface 323 at a different height level from the first step surface 321 in the height direction H, and a vertical surface 322 connecting the first step surface 321 and the second step surface 323.

[0029] The predetermined channel 40 includes a first channel portion 410 disposed on the first stepped surface 321. The first channel portion 410 may be formed in an L-shape. As an example, Figure 3As shown, the first channel portion 410 can be formed into a near-L-shape by making the first edge member 91 include portions extending obliquely in both the width direction W and the length direction L relative to the second housing 220 on the first stepped surface 321, and by making the second edge member 92 include right-angle corner portions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the first channel portion 410 is connected to the combination switch lever 10 to accommodate the flexible circuit board 120, and the other end of the first channel portion 410 is connected to the vertical surface 322. In this way, the flexible circuit board 120 extending outward from the end 130 can directly extend into the first channel portion 410. Moreover, by forming the first channel portion 410 into a near-L-shape, the flexible circuit board 120 can be guided to extend onto the vertical surface 322, thereby extending toward the connection point of the main circuit board 230 (e.g., the main circuit board connector 2301). In other words, the first channel portion 410 changes the way it guides the flexible circuit board 120 by forming an L-shape, thereby changing the extension direction of the flexible circuit board 120 so that the flexible circuit board 120 can extend toward the connection point of the main circuit board 230.

[0030] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 120 extends along the first channel portion 410 in a bent manner. Figure 4 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An enlarged view of part A of the combination switch control module. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the flexible circuit board 120 has a strip shape. In order to accommodate the L-shaped channel of the first channel portion 410, the flexible circuit board 120 can be bent at the corresponding portion P, thereby changing the extension direction of the flexible circuit board 120.

[0031] In some cases, to change the extension direction of a strip-shaped flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board is typically fabricated into multiple segments, each extending in only one specific direction. The overall circuit connection is then achieved by splicing together segments with different directions. However, this increases the fabrication cost of the flexible circuit board and reduces productivity, as it generates significant waste due to the increased scrap material produced during the fabrication of multi-segment flexible circuit boards. According to an embodiment of this invention, the flexible circuit board 120 can be fabricated as a single unit without being divided into multiple segments, and the extension direction can be changed by bending. In this way, a single flexible circuit board 120 can be used to implement the related functional control of a combination switch lever, thereby improving fabrication efficiency, assembly efficiency, reducing raw material waste, and lowering costs.

[0032] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3-4As shown, the first channel portion 410 includes a first sub-portion 4101 extending along the length direction L of the second housing 220 and a second sub-portion 4102 extending along the width direction W of the second housing 220. The flexible circuit board 120 includes a first limiting hole 1201 and a second limiting hole 1202. The flexible circuit board 120 is constrained in the first sub-portion 4101 through the first limiting hole 1201, and the flexible circuit board 120 is constrained in the second sub-portion 4102 through the second limiting hole 1202. As an example, a fixing structure that mates with the first limiting hole 1201 and the second limiting hole 1202 can be used to constrain the flexible circuit board 120 by inserting the fixing structure into the limiting hole and connecting it to the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. For example, the fixing structure may include screws, rivets, etc. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In this way, the flexible circuit board 120 can be stably constrained in the first channel portion 410 to avoid the phenomenon that the flexible circuit board 120 may warp due to bending, and to ensure stable signal transmission of the flexible circuit board 120.

[0033] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the predetermined channel 40 also includes a second channel portion 420 disposed on the vertical plane 322 along the height direction H. At least a portion of the second channel portion 420 is provided with a position limiting member 4201 to constrain the flexible circuit board 120 within the second channel portion 420. As an example, the position limiting member 4201 may be formed to protrude into the channel from the first edge member 91 and the second edge member 92, respectively, such that the position limiting member 4201 overlaps with the flexible circuit board 120 in the width direction W. This prevents the flexible circuit board 120 from protruding outward or tilting from the second channel portion 420 and allows it to extend smoothly within the second channel portion 420.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the main circuit board 230 is provided with a main circuit board connector 2301. The main circuit board connector 2301 is located on the side of the vertical surface 322 facing away from the first step surface 321. According to an embodiment of the present invention, after the flexible circuit board 120 extends to the end portion D of the second channel portion 420 of the predetermined channel 40, it continues to extend along the width direction W from the end portion D until it connects to the main circuit board connector 2301. Thereafter, the flexible circuit board 120 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 through the main circuit board connector 2301, thereby realizing the corresponding functional control of the combination switch lever 10.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the flexible circuit board 120 also includes a third limiting hole 1203. The portion of the flexible circuit board 120 extending from the vertical surface 322 to the main circuit board connector 2301 is fixed in place via the third limiting hole 1203. Similar to the first limiting hole 1201 and the second limiting hole 1202 described above, the third limiting hole 1203 may also have a matching fixing structure, and the flexible circuit board 120 is fixed in place by inserting the fixing structure into the third limiting hole and connecting it to the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. In this way, by providing the third limiting hole 1203 near the main circuit board connector 2301 to restrict the flexible circuit board 120, a secure connection between the flexible circuit board 120 and the main circuit board connector 2301 can be ensured, thereby ensuring smooth signal transmission and stable execution of related functions.

[0036] Figure 5 A bottom view of a combination switch control module with a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the combination switch control module 500 further includes a cover 50 disposed on the second housing 220. The cover 50 is configured to cover a flexible circuit board 120 extending on the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. This prevents the flexible circuit board 120 from being directly exposed on the outer surface 320, thus avoiding potential damage to the flexible circuit board 120 from surrounding structures, thereby extending the service life of the flexible circuit board 120 and improving signal transmission quality.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cover 50 is further configured to engage with the first limiting hole 1201, the second limiting hole 1202, and the third limiting hole 1203 respectively to securely position the flexible circuit board 120 extending on the outer surface 320 of the second housing 220. As an example, the cover 50 may be provided with multiple engaging structures for pressing against the flexible circuit board 120, and these structures may pass through the first limiting hole 1201, the second limiting hole 1202, and the third limiting hole 1203 respectively to abut against the outer surface 320. Thus, when the cover 50 is placed and covers the flexible circuit board 120, the cover 50 can press the flexible circuit board 120 into a suitable position, ensuring that the flexible circuit board 120 extends smoothly along the predetermined channel 40 without positional shift or warping, thereby providing continuous and stable signal transmission.

[0038] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, at least one knob 110 may include a first knob 111 for controlling a first function and a second knob 112 for controlling a second function. As an example, the first function may be a front wiper function, and the second function may be a rear wiper function. As another example, the first function may be a wiper function, and the second function may be a headlight function.

[0039] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle that may include a combination switch control module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 control module (500), characterized in that, include: A combination switch lever (10) includes at least one knob (110) and a flexible circuit board (120), wherein the at least one knob (110) is in contact with the flexible circuit board (120) and is rotatable relative to the flexible circuit board (120); The combination switch body (20) includes a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a main circuit board (230) disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The end (130) of the combination switch lever (10) is connected to the combination switch body (20), and the flexible circuit board (120) extends from the end (130) to the outer surface (320) of the second housing (220) and extends along a predetermined channel (40) on the outer surface (320) to be electrically connected to the main circuit board (230).

2. The combined switch control module (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface (320) includes a first step surface (321), a second step surface (323) at a different height level from the first step surface (321) in the height direction (H), and a vertical surface (322) connecting the first step surface (321) and the second step surface (323). The predetermined channel (40) includes a first channel portion (410) disposed on the first stepped surface (321), the first channel portion (410) being formed in an L-shape, one end of the first channel portion (410) being connected to the combination switch lever (10) to accommodate the flexible circuit board (120), and the other end of the first channel portion (410) being connected to the vertical surface (322); and The flexible circuit board (120) extends along the first channel portion (410) in a bent manner.

3. The combined switch control module (500) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first channel portion (410) includes a first sub-portion (4101) extending along the length direction (L) of the second housing (220) and a second sub-portion (4102) extending along the width direction (W) of the second housing (220). The flexible circuit board (120) includes a first limiting hole (1201) and a second limiting hole (1202). The flexible circuit board (120) is limited in the first sub-part (4101) through the first limiting hole (1201) and the flexible circuit board (120) is limited in the second sub-part (4102) through the second limiting hole (1202).

4. The combined switch control module (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The predetermined channel (40) further includes a second channel portion (420) disposed on the vertical plane (322) along the height direction (H), at least a portion of the second channel portion (420) being provided with a position limiting member (4201) to limit the flexible circuit board (120) within the second channel portion (420).

5. The combined switch control module (500) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main circuit board (230) is provided with a main circuit board connector (2301), which is located on the side of the vertical surface (322) opposite to the first step surface (321). The flexible circuit board (120) also includes a third limiting hole (1203) through which a portion of the flexible circuit board (120) extending from the vertical surface (322) to the main circuit board connector (2301) is fixed in place.

6. The combined switch control module (500) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The combination switch control module also includes a cover (50) disposed on the second housing (220), the cover (50) covering a flexible circuit board (120) extending on the outer surface (320) of the second housing (220), and The cover (50) is also configured to engage with the first limiting hole (1201), the second limiting hole (1202) and the third limiting hole (1203) respectively to secure in place a flexible circuit board (120) extending on the outer surface (320) of the second housing (220).

7. The combination switch control module (500) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The predetermined channel (40) is defined by two edge members (91, 92) formed on the outer surface (320) of the second housing (220), the two edge members (91, 92) being integrally formed with the second housing (220).

8. The combination switch control module (500) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board (20) is configured to extend from the combination switch lever (10) on the side of the end (130) facing the second housing (220).

9. The combination switch control module (500) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The at least one knob (110) includes a first knob (111) for controlling a first function and a second knob (112) for controlling a second function. The first housing (210) can be connected to the car steering wheel, and the second housing (220) is located on the side of the combination switch body (20) opposite to the car steering wheel.

10. A motor vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the combination switch control module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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