A double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support

Abstract

The application discloses a double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on a cantilever triangular support, which comprises a cantilever arranged on the side of a steering wheel of a vehicle, a support shaft arranged at an acute angle with the cantilever and extending inwards, an FPC plate arranged on the support shaft, and first and second function buttons arranged on the support shaft and electrically connected with the FPC plate to realize the functions of the vehicle. According to the technical scheme, the acute angle arrangement of the cantilever and the support shaft forms a triangular support structure unit, and compared with a traditional plane support, the overall torsional stiffness is higher, and the deformation or shaking during the steering wheel operation can be effectively prevented. The FPC plate can be flexibly wired in a limited space, and the space occupation problem caused by a traditional hard PCB is reduced. The double buttons are arranged on the same support shaft, the function layering arrangement can be realized, and the problem of mutual interference of multiple function modules in a limited area is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support, belonging to the field of automotive steering wheels. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent and multifunctional vehicles, the steering wheel has gradually become an important interface for human-machine interaction. In addition to basic functions such as turn signals and light control, steering wheel switches integrate various operation modules including multimedia control, driver assistance function triggering, and personalized settings. Due to the increasing number of functions, steering wheel switches need to accommodate more mechanical parts and electronic components within a limited installation space, making their structural layout increasingly compact and complex.

[0003] Existing steering wheel switch systems generally employ a single-layer or parallel structural layout, relying on brackets and screws for installation and fixation. However, within the limited internal space of the steering wheel, traditional support methods, such as conventional support brackets and mounting screws, are mostly rectangular or planar in arrangement, making it difficult to balance torsional stiffness and compactness, and easily resulting in excessive axial dimensions. Since mechanical positioning units, magnetic sensors, LED lights, and microswitches often need to coexist in a small area, existing structures cannot avoid excessive Z-axis stacking or mutual interference.

[0004] Especially in the design of dual-dial and central roller combination switches, the industry faces a more prominent core contradiction—the limit of functional density: multiple independent functional modules need to be integrated in a limited space; the central roller must simultaneously achieve the dual functions of 360° rotation operation and downward trigger stroke; the structure also needs to ensure the stability of overall torque resistance to meet the reliability requirements of long-term vehicle use.

[0005] Therefore, how to achieve efficient integration of mechanical positioning, magnetoelectric sensing, and electronic components within the extremely limited internal space of the steering wheel through innovative support structures and space utilization methods, while simultaneously ensuring the stability and reliability of the combination switch, has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology and to provide a double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support, which aims to solve the problem that existing integrated steering wheel switches are difficult to achieve dual functions in a limited space.

[0007] A double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support includes a cantilever for mounting on the side of a car steering wheel. The cantilever has a support shaft that is set at an acute angle to the steering wheel and extends inward. An FPC board is mounted on the support shaft. The support shaft also has a first function button and a second function button that are electrically connected to the FPC board to realize car functions.

[0008] This technical solution utilizes a triangular support structure formed by the acute angle arrangement of the cantilever and the support shaft. Compared to traditional planar supports, this structure offers higher overall torsional stiffness, effectively preventing deformation or wobbling during steering wheel operation. The FPC board allows for flexible wiring within a limited space, reducing the space requirements of traditional rigid PCBs. The dual buttons are arranged on the same support shaft, enabling layered functional layout and resolving interference between multi-functional modules within a limited area. The dual-layer integrated design allows the same area to simultaneously handle mechanical triggering and electrical signal transmission, increasing the functional density of the steering wheel switches.

[0009] Preferably, the FPC board is provided with a third micro switch, the support shaft is provided with a vertically arranged guide post, the support shaft is fitted with an upper cover and a lower cover located outside the guide post, the upper cover is provided with a sliding groove that cooperates with the guide post, the first function button is fitted outside the upper cover and the lower cover, and the third micro switch is triggered by pressing the upper cover along the guide post.

[0010] This technical solution, by arranging a third microswitch on the FPC board and combining it with the design of vertical guide posts, upper and lower covers, and sliding grooves, ensures stable, precise, and easy-to-assemble button triggering. This structure not only improves the reliability and lifespan of the steering wheel switch but also enhances its functional expandability, effectively resolving the contradiction between functional integration and operational precision within a limited space.

[0011] Furthermore, the bottom of the upper cover is provided with a gap for the sliding groove to slide along the guide post.

[0012] This technical solution allows for a gap at the bottom of the top cover, providing adequate space for movement between the sliding groove and the guide post, ensuring smooth sliding and preventing jamming caused by processing errors or excessive friction.

[0013] Furthermore, an auxiliary guide is provided below the support shaft, a guide groove is provided on the lower cover to cooperate with the auxiliary guide, a buckle is provided on the upper cover, and a slot for engaging with the buckle is provided on the lower cover.

[0014] This technical solution further enhances the vertical guiding effect of the upper and lower covers, ensuring stability during movement, preventing offset and shaking, and making button triggering more precise. It achieves quick snap-fit ​​and reliable fixation between the upper and lower covers, replacing the traditional screw fixing method and significantly reducing assembly difficulty and time.

[0015] Furthermore, the FPC board is also equipped with a Hall chip, and the upper cover is rotatably fitted with a magnet for sensing the Hall chip. The magnet is fixed on the inner wall of the first function button. The first function button drives the magnet to rotate by rotating. The Hall chip senses the parameters of the change in the magnetic field of the magnet and then controls the realization of different functions of the car.

[0016] This technical solution enables precise detection of magnetic field changes caused by the rotation of the magnet by the Hall chip, achieving high-precision identification of the rotation angle or state of the function button, thereby improving the response speed and accuracy of user operation. The magnet is directly fixed to the inner wall of the first function button, eliminating the need for an additional transmission mechanism and allowing for high integration of the magneto-electric induction unit with the button, further saving limited installation space inside the steering wheel. By identifying different parameters of the magnetic field changes through the Hall chip, multiple function control modes (such as volume adjustment, menu switching, and triggering of driving assistance functions) can be achieved, enhancing the functional density and intelligence level of the steering wheel switches and enabling dual-function operation of the first function button.

[0017] Preferably, a fixing ring is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the upper cover, and an elastic spring is installed on the fixing ring. A track sleeved on the outer side of the upper cover is fixedly installed on the first function button. Several wavy gear slots are distributed in a ring on the track. The spring has protrusions on both sides that are convex and match the shape of the troughs of the gear slots. The first function button drives the track to rotate by rotating, thereby making the protrusions match the troughs of the gear slots at different positions to produce a gear switching feel.

[0018] This technical solution utilizes the engagement of the spring protrusion with the wavy gear slot of the track to create a distinct locking feel during rotation, providing the driver with clear gear feedback. The spring and track assembly occupies minimal space and can be directly linked to function buttons, facilitating integration with existing steering wheel switch modules. The spring's elastic structure maintains stable rebound performance over extended use, ensuring consistent gear shifting feel and durability.

[0019] Furthermore, the second function button is arranged in a ring and symmetrically positioned on both sides of the first function button. The FPC board is provided with a first micro switch and a second micro switch located on both sides of the support shaft. The second function button triggers the first micro switch or the second micro switch by rotating relative to the support shaft in a forward or backward axial direction.

[0020] This technical solution allows different microswitches to be triggered by the forward and backward axial rotation of the button, achieving bidirectional functional input and significantly improving the functional density of a single button. The combination of ring arrangement and axial triggering effectively avoids the problem of excessive thickness caused by Z-axis stacking in traditional structures, resulting in a more compact overall structure.

[0021] Furthermore, a support frame is sleeved on the support shaft, and a push groove is provided on the support frame. A push part is provided in the push groove, and a trigger part is provided on the inner wall of the second function button, with the top of the push part abutting against it. The second function button can push the push part to move vertically along the push groove by relative rotation, thereby pressing and triggering the first micro switch or the second micro switch.

[0022] This technical solution, through the cooperation of the trigger and the push button, transforms the rotational action of the second function button into the vertical movement of the push button, realizing the conversion between rotational operation and longitudinal triggering action, making the microswitch triggering more reliable. By designing the push button and trigger within the internal space of the button and support frame, additional connecting rods or transmission components are avoided, significantly reducing the overall thickness and volume.

[0023] Preferably, the FPC board includes an FPC mount extending into the cantilever, the FPC mount being used for electrical connection with the vehicle's central control system, and LED lights are also electrically connected to the FPC board.

[0024] This technical solution, by installing an FPC mount within the cantilever, allows for direct electrical connection to the vehicle's central control system, ensuring stable signal and power transmission and improving overall system reliability. Integrating LEDs on the FPC board provides backlighting or status indicators for different function buttons, enhancing driver visibility at night or in complex environments.

[0025] Preferably, the support shaft includes a support seat on one side, the support shaft is fixedly connected to the cantilever through the support seat, and the support seat and the support shaft are arranged vertically relative to each other.

[0026] This technical solution, through the fixed connection between the support base and the cantilever, provides a more robust support for the support shaft, preventing loosening or displacement due to prolonged use. The vertical arrangement of the support base and support shaft effectively disperses and resists torsional torque during steering wheel operation, enhancing the overall structural torsional stiffness. As a transitional component, the support base makes the connection between the support shaft and the cantilever more compact, avoiding spatial conflicts caused by direct connection and optimizing the utilization of internal space.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the triangular support structure unit formed by the acute angle arrangement of the cantilever and the support shaft has higher overall torsional stiffness compared with the traditional planar bracket, which can effectively prevent deformation or shaking during steering wheel operation; the FPC board can flexibly lay out the wiring in a limited space, reducing the space occupation problem caused by the traditional rigid PCB; the dual buttons are arranged on the same support shaft, which can realize the functional layered arrangement and solve the problem of mutual interference between multi-functional modules in a limited area; through the double-layer integrated design, the same area can simultaneously undertake the tasks of mechanical triggering and electrical signal transmission, improving the functional density of the steering wheel switch. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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, obtaining other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort still falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram with parts of the structure removed; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A structural diagram with parts of the structure removed; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the FPC board of this utility model; In the diagram, 1. Cantilever; 2. Support shaft; 21. Guide column; 22. Auxiliary guide part; 23. Support base; 3. FPC board; 31. Hall chip; 32. FPC base; 33. LED light; 34. First micro switch; 35. Second micro switch; 36. Third micro switch; 4. First function button; 5. Second function button; 51. Trigger part; 6. Top cover; 61. Sliding groove; 62. Gap; 63. Buckle; 7. Bottom cover; 71. Guide groove; 72. Slot; 8. Magnet; 9. Fixing ring; 10. Spring; 101. Protrusion; 11. Track; 111. Gear slot; 12. Support frame; 121. Pressing groove; 13. Pressing part. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be noted that all uses of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this utility model are for the purpose of distinguishing two entities or parameters with the same name but different names. It is clear that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this utility model. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this in detail.

[0032] The directional and positional terms used in this utility model, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional and positional terms used are for the purpose of explaining and understanding this utility model, and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0033] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this is an embodiment of a double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on a cantilever triangular support according to the present invention. It includes a cantilever 1 for being installed on the side of the car steering wheel. The cantilever 1 is provided with a support shaft 2 that is set at an acute angle to it and extends inward. The support shaft 2 is provided with an FPC plate 3. The support shaft 2 is also provided with a first function button 4 and a second function button 5 that are electrically connected to the FPC plate 3 to realize the car functions.

[0034] This technical solution uses a triangular support structure unit formed by the acute angle arrangement of the cantilever 1 and the support shaft 2. Compared with traditional planar supports, this structure has higher overall torsional stiffness and can effectively prevent deformation or shaking during steering wheel operation. The FPC board 3 can flexibly route wiring within a limited space, reducing the space occupation problem caused by traditional rigid PCBs. The dual buttons are arranged on the same support shaft 2, which can realize the functional layered arrangement and solve the problem of mutual interference between multi-functional modules in a limited area. Through the dual-layer integrated design, the same area can simultaneously undertake mechanical triggering and electrical signal transmission tasks, improving the functional density of the steering wheel switches.

[0035] The FPC board 3 is provided with a third micro switch 36, the support shaft 2 is provided with a vertically arranged guide post 21, the support shaft 2 is fitted with an upper cover 6 and a lower cover 7 located outside the guide post 21, the upper cover 6 is provided with a sliding groove 61 that cooperates with the guide post 21, the first function button 4 is fitted outside the upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7, and the third micro switch 36 is triggered by pressing the upper cover 6 along the guide post 21.

[0036] This technical solution, through the arrangement of a third micro switch 36 on the FPC board 3, and the coordinated design of the vertical guide post 21, upper and lower covers 7, and sliding groove 61, makes the button triggering action stable, precise, and easy to assemble. This structure not only improves the reliability and service life of the steering wheel switch, but also enhances its functional expansion capabilities, effectively resolving the contradiction between functional integration and operational precision within a limited space.

[0037] The bottom of the upper cover 6 is provided with a gap 62 for the sliding groove 61 to slide along the guide post 21.

[0038] This technical solution allows for a gap 62 to be reserved at the bottom of the upper cover 6, providing adequate space for movement between the sliding groove 61 and the guide post 21, ensuring smooth sliding and preventing jamming caused by processing errors or excessive friction.

[0039] An auxiliary guide 22 is provided below the support shaft 2. The lower cover 7 is provided with a guide groove 71 that cooperates with the auxiliary guide 22. The upper cover 6 is provided with a buckle 63. The lower cover 7 is provided with a slot 72 that engages with the buckle 63.

[0040] This technical solution further enhances the vertical guiding effect of the upper and lower covers 7, ensuring stability during movement, preventing offset and shaking, and making button triggering more precise. It achieves quick snap-fit ​​and reliable fixation between the upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7, replacing the traditional screw fixing method and significantly reducing assembly difficulty and time.

[0041] The FPC board 3 is also provided with a Hall chip 31. The upper cover 6 is rotatably sleeved with a magnet 8 for sensing the Hall chip 31. The magnet 8 is fixed on the inner wall of the first function button 4. The first function button 4 drives the magnet 8 to rotate by rotating. The Hall chip 31 senses the parameters of the change in the magnetic field of the magnet 8 and then controls the realization of different functions of the car.

[0042] This technical solution enables precise detection of magnetic field changes caused by the rotation of magnet 8 by Hall chip 31, achieving high-precision identification of the rotation angle or state of function buttons, thereby improving the response speed and accuracy of user operation. Magnet 8 is directly fixed to the inner wall of the first function button 4, eliminating the need for an additional transmission mechanism and allowing for high integration of the magneto-electric induction unit with the button, further saving limited installation space inside the steering wheel. By identifying different parameters of the magnetic field changes through Hall chip 31, multiple function control modes (such as volume adjustment, menu switching, and triggering of driving assistance functions) can be achieved, enhancing the functional density and intelligence level of the steering wheel switches and enabling dual-function operation of the first function button 4.

[0043] A fixing ring 9 is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the upper cover 6. An elastic spring 10 is installed on the fixing ring 9. A track 11 is fixedly installed on the first function button 4 and sleeved on the outer side of the upper cover 6. Several wavy gear slots 111 are distributed in a ring on the track 11. The spring 10 has protrusions 101 on both sides that are convex and match the trough shape of the gear slots 111. The first function button 4 drives the track 11 to rotate by rotating, so that the protrusions 101 match the troughs of the gear slots 111 at different positions to produce a gear switching feel.

[0044] This technical solution utilizes the engagement between the protruding part 101 of the spring 10 and the wavy gear shift groove 111 of the rail 11 to create a distinct locking feel during rotation, providing the driver with clear gear shift feedback. The engagement of the spring 10 and rail 11 occupies minimal space and can be directly linked to function buttons, facilitating integration with existing steering wheel switch modules. The elastic structure of the spring 10 maintains stable rebound performance over extended use, ensuring consistent gear shift feel and durability.

[0045] The second function button 5 is arranged in a ring and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first function button 4. The FPC board 3 is provided with a first micro switch 34 and a second micro switch 35 located on both sides of the support shaft 2. The second function button 5 triggers the first micro switch 34 or the second micro switch 35 by rotating relative to the support shaft 2 in the forward or backward axial direction.

[0046] This technical solution allows different microswitches to be triggered by the forward and backward axial rotation of the button, achieving bidirectional functional input and significantly improving the functional density of a single button. The combination of ring arrangement and axial triggering effectively avoids the problem of excessive thickness caused by Z-axis stacking in traditional structures, resulting in a more compact overall structure.

[0047] A support frame 12 is sleeved on the support shaft 2. The support frame 12 is provided with a push groove 121. A push part 13 is provided in the push groove 121. A trigger part 51 is provided on the inner wall of the second function button 5, with the top of the push part 13 abutting against it. The second function button 5 rotates relative to each other, causing the trigger part 51 to push the push part 13 to move vertically along the push groove 121, thereby triggering the first micro switch 34 or the second micro switch 35.

[0048] This technical solution, through the cooperation of the trigger part 51 and the push part 13, transforms the rotational action of the second function button 5 into the vertical movement of the push part 13, realizing the conversion between rotational operation and longitudinal triggering action, making the micro switch triggering more reliable. Designing the push part 13 and the trigger part 51 within the internal space of the button and the support frame 12 avoids additional connecting rods or transmission components, significantly reducing the overall thickness and volume.

[0049] The FPC board 3 includes an FPC seat 32 extending into the cantilever 1. The FPC seat 32 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle central control system. An LED light 33 is also electrically connected to the FPC board 3.

[0050] This technical solution allows for direct electrical connection to the vehicle's central control system by installing an FPC mount 32 within the cantilever 1, ensuring stable signal and power transmission and improving the overall reliability of the system. Integrating LED lights 33 on the FPC board 3 provides backlighting or status indication for different function buttons, enhancing driver visibility at night or in complex environments.

[0051] The support shaft 2 includes a support seat 23 on one side. The support shaft 2 is fixedly connected to the cantilever 1 through the support seat 23. The support seat 23 and the support shaft 2 are arranged vertically relative to each other.

[0052] This technical solution, through the fixed connection between the support base 23 and the cantilever 1, provides a more robust support for the support shaft 2, preventing loosening or displacement due to prolonged use. The support base 23 and the support shaft 2 are vertically aligned, effectively dispersing and resisting torsional torque during steering wheel operation, thus enhancing the overall structural torsional rigidity. As a transition component, the support base 23 makes the connection between the support shaft 2 and the cantilever 1 more compact, avoiding spatial conflicts caused by direct connection and optimizing the utilization of internal space.

[0053] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support, characterized in that: It includes a cantilever for mounting on the side of the car steering wheel, the cantilever having a support shaft set at an acute angle to it and extending inward, the support shaft having an FPC board, and the support shaft also having a first function button and a second function button electrically connected to the FPC board to realize the car functions.

2. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The FPC board is provided with a third micro switch, the support shaft is provided with a vertically arranged guide post, the support shaft is fitted with an upper cover and a lower cover located outside the guide post, the upper cover is provided with a sliding groove that cooperates with the guide post, the first function button is fitted outside the upper cover and the lower cover, and the third micro switch is triggered by pressing the upper cover along the guide post.

3. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the upper cover is provided with a gap for the sliding groove to slide along the guide post.

4. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 2, characterized in that: An auxiliary guide is provided below the support shaft, a guide groove is provided on the lower cover to cooperate with the auxiliary guide, a buckle is provided on the upper cover, and a slot for engaging with the buckle is provided on the lower cover.

5. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The FPC board is also equipped with a Hall chip, and the upper cover is rotatably fitted with a magnet for sensing the Hall chip. The magnet is fixed on the inner wall of the first function button. The first function button drives the magnet to rotate by rotating. The Hall chip senses the parameters of the change in the magnetic field of the magnet and then controls the realization of different functions of the car.

6. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The upper cover is fixedly fitted with a fixing ring, and an elastic spring is installed on the fixing ring. The first function button is fixedly fitted with a track outside the upper cover. The track has a number of wavy gear slots arranged in a ring. The spring has protrusions on both sides that match the shape of the troughs of the gear slots. The first function button rotates to drive the track to rotate, so that the protrusions match the troughs of the gear slots at different positions to produce a gear switching feel.

7. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The second function button is arranged in a ring and symmetrically located on both sides of the first function button. The FPC board is provided with a first micro switch and a second micro switch located on both sides of the support shaft. The second function button triggers the first micro switch or the second micro switch by rotating relative to the support shaft in the forward or backward direction.

8. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 7, characterized in that: A support frame is sleeved on the support shaft. The support frame is provided with a push groove. A push part is provided in the push groove. A trigger part is provided on the inner wall of the second function button, with the top of the push part abutting against it. The second function button rotates relative to the push part, which pushes the push part to move vertically along the push groove, thereby triggering the first micro switch or the second micro switch.

9. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The FPC board includes an FPC mount extending into the cantilever, the FPC mount being used for electrical connection to the vehicle's central control system, and LED lights being electrically connected to the FPC board.

10. The double-layer integrated steering wheel switch based on cantilever triangular support as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support shaft includes a support seat on one side, and the support shaft is fixedly connected to the cantilever through the support seat. The support seat and the support shaft are arranged vertically relative to each other.

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