Paddle switch

Abstract

To provide a paddle switch capable of being multifunctionalized.SOLUTION: Paddle levers 20, 120 of a paddle switch 10 includes: an operation part 21 extending to a vertical side of a vehicle 1; and rotational axes 22, 122 extending in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the operation part 21. The operation part 21 can rotate around the rotational axes 22, 122. Also, the operation part 21 includes: a first operation part 21a extending in an upper direction of the vehicle 1 than the rotational axes 22, 122; and a second operation part 21b extending in a lower direction of the vehicle 1 than the rotational axes 22, 122. The first operation part 21a can rotate around the rotational axes 22, 122 so as to come close to or move apart from the side of a steering 2 than the rotational axes 22, 122. The second operation part 21b can rotate around the rotational axes 22, 122 so as to come close to or move apart from the side of the steering 2 than the rotational axes 22, 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a paddle switch installed in the steering of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The paddle switch described in Patent Document 1 includes a case body attached to a steering wheel, a switch mechanism that is pressed when the paddle rotates to switch the contact or separation of contacts, a paddle rotatably supported by the case body, and a click mechanism that gives a click feeling when the paddle rotates. The click mechanism is composed of a concave surface provided in the case body and a spring holder provided on the end surface of the paddle, accommodating a coil spring inside, and having a convex portion pressed against the concave surface by the spring force of the coil spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the paddle switch of Patent Document 1, there is only one switch mechanism that is pressed when the paddle rotates, and there is a problem that it cannot be applied when the switch mechanism is made to correspond to a plurality of functions.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a paddle switch that can be made multifunctional.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The paddle switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a paddle lever disposed on the traveling direction side of the vehicle rather than the steering of the vehicle. The paddle lever has an operation portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and a rotation shaft extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation portion. The operation portion is rotatable about the rotation shaft. The operation portion has a first operation portion extending upward of the vehicle from the rotation shaft and a second operation portion extending downward of the vehicle from the rotation shaft. The first operation portion is rotatable about the rotation shaft so as to approach or move away from the steering side relative to the rotation shaft, and the second operation portion is rotatable about the rotation shaft so as to approach or move away from the steering side relative to the rotation shaft.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the paddle switch of the present disclosure, it can be made multifunctional.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Note that each of the embodiments described below shows general or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent members.

[0012] In the following embodiments, expressions such as plate-like, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction are used. For example, plate-like, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction do not only mean completely a plate, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction, but also substantially a plate, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction, that is, including an error of about several percent. Also, plate, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction mean a plate, left-right direction, up-down direction, and traveling direction within the range where the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "direction".

[0013] (Embodiment) <Configuration> First, the configuration of the paddle switch 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 1 equipped with a paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a switch unit in an embodiment. FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of the paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. FIG. 3B is a plan view showing the steering wheel 2 and the paddle switch 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a return portion 30 in an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. (a) of FIG. 5 shows the state when the operation portion 21 is in the home position. (b) of FIG. 5 shows the state when the operation portion 21 is being operated by the driver. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of another paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the return portion 30 of another paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another paddle switch 10 in an embodiment. (a) of FIG. 8 shows the state when the operation portion 21 is in the home position. (b) of FIG. 8 shows the state when the operation portion 21 is being operated by the driver. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another return portion 231 in an embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel 2 is provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. A switch unit is disposed on the traveling direction side of the vehicle 1 with respect to the steering wheel 2. The traveling direction side of the vehicle 1 with respect to the steering wheel 2 is the back side of the steering wheel 2 when viewed from the driver. The paddle switches 10 of the switch unit are near the steering wheel 2 and are disposed on both the left and right sides of the steering wheel 2 so that the left and right fingers of the driver holding the steering wheel 2 can reach them.

[0016] The paddle switch 10 is electrically connected to, for example, an ECU (Engine Control Unit). When the driver operates the paddle switch 10 with a finger while holding the steering wheel 2, the paddle switch 10 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the ECU. For example, the paddle switch 10 can output an ON signal for indicating the direction of the vehicle 1 when turning left and right, an ON signal for the high beam of the headlight or passing, an ON signal for driving the wiper function, and the like.

[0017] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch unit includes a main body plate 3 and a paddle switch 10.

[0018] The main body plate 3 is a member for attaching the paddle switch 10 to the steering column. A through hole 4 through which the steering shaft is inserted is formed in the main body plate 3. The main body plate 3 is fixed to the steering column with the steering shaft inserted through the through hole 4.

[0019] The main body plate 3 is a long plate-like member extending in the left-right direction with respect to the steering column. Since the through hole 4 is formed in the central portion of the main body plate 3, the main body plate 3 is disposed on the steering column in a state of protruding from the left and right of the steering column. That is, when the steering wheel 2 is in the neutral position, the main body plate 3 is disposed such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the left-right direction of the steering wheel 2. For this reason, the left end portion of the main body plate 3 is disposed so as to approach the left side of the steering wheel 2, and the right end portion of the main body plate 3 is disposed so as to approach the right side of the steering wheel 2.

[0020] The paddle switches 10 are respectively disposed on both the left and right sides of the main body plate 3. That is, a pair of paddle switches 10 are disposed on both end sides of the main body plate 3.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the pair of paddle switches 10 has a paddle lever 20, a return portion 30, a holding portion 40, a rotary plate 50, a circuit board 60, a cover 70, and a housing 80.

[0022] The paddle lever 20 has a rotation shaft 22 and an operation portion 21.

[0023] The rotation shaft 22 extends along the left - right direction, and the axial direction extends in a direction (orthogonal direction) that intersects the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the operation portion 21. As shown in FIG. 3B, the rotation shaft 22 extends along the left - right direction of the vehicle 1 in a front view of the paddle switch 10. In the present embodiment, the intersection includes not only crossing in a cross - shape but also crossing in a T - shape.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3A, the operation portion 21 is connected to the rotation shaft 22 so as to sandwich the rotation shaft 22 from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 22, and extends toward the upper and lower sides of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the operation portion 21 is connected to one end portion of the rotation shaft 22 and extends from one end portion of the rotation shaft 22 toward the upper and lower sides orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 22. The operation portion 21 extends toward the upper and lower sides of the vehicle 1 in a front view of the paddle switch 10. In the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 22 is connected to the central portion of the operation portion 21. Therefore, the operation portion 21 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 22, and the rotation shaft 22 is rotatable integrally with the operation portion 21.

[0025] The operation portion 21 is a plate - shaped lever that is operated by the left finger or the right finger of the driver. When the operation portion 21 is operated, the above - mentioned signal corresponding to the operation portion 21 is output from the circuit board 60.

[0026] Specifically, the operation portion 21 has a first operation portion 21a and a second operation portion 21b. The first operation portion 21a of the operation portion 21 is disposed on both end sides of the rotation shaft 22 and is a portion that extends upward of the vehicle 1 from the rotation shaft 22. The second operation portion 21b of the operation portion 21 is disposed on both end sides of the rotation shaft 22 and is a portion that extends downward of the vehicle 1 from the rotation shaft 22.

[0027] The first operation portion 21a is rotatable about the rotation shaft 22 so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side from the rotation shaft 22.

[0028] The second operation portion 21b is rotatable about the rotation axis 22 so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side with respect to the rotation axis 22.

[0029] Since the operation portion 21 rotates about the rotation axis 22, when the first operation portion 21a is rotated so as to approach the steering 2 side, the second operation portion 21b rotates so as to move away from the steering 2 side. Further, when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to approach the steering 2 side, the first operation portion 21a rotates so as to move away from the steering 2 side.

[0030] To the operation of rotating the first operation portion 21a so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side with respect to the rotation axis 22, and the operation of rotating the second operation portion 21b so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side with respect to the rotation axis 22, any one of the functions of a direction indicator switch, a dimmer switch, or a wiper switch is assigned.

[0031] In the present embodiment, since a pair of paddle switches 10 are arranged on the main body plate 3, the above signals are set so as to correspond to the two first operation portions 21a and the two second operation portions 21b.

[0032] For example, in the left paddle switch 10, the first operation portion 21a corresponds to the wiper switch. When the first operation portion 21a is rotated so as to approach the steering 2 side, or when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to move away from the steering 2 side, an ON signal of a wiper function that automatically rotates strongly and weakly according to the raindrop state is output from the circuit board 60. In the left paddle switch 10, the second operation portion 21b corresponds to the dimmer switch. When the first operation portion 21a is rotated so as to move away from the steering 2 side, or when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to approach the steering 2 side, an ON signal of the high beam or passing of the headlight is output from the circuit board 60.

[0033] In the right paddle switch 10, the first operation portion 21a corresponds to the left turn direction indicator switch. When the first operation portion 21a is rotated so as to approach the steering wheel 2 side, or when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to move away from the steering wheel 2 side, an ON signal for the direction indication of the vehicle 1 during a left turn is output from the circuit board 60. In the right paddle switch 10, the second operation portion 21b corresponds to the right turn direction indicator switch. When the first operation portion 21a is rotated so as to move away from the steering wheel 2 side, or when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to approach the steering wheel 2 side, an ON signal for the direction indication of the vehicle 1 during a right turn is output from the circuit board 60.

[0034] Thus, a plurality of functions are incorporated in the pair of paddle switches 10. Note that the plurality of functions incorporated in the pair of paddle switches 10 described above are merely examples and are not limited to the present embodiment.

[0035] The operation unit 21 of the present embodiment employs an all-position momentary structure and has a self-return structure that returns to the home position when the operation by the driver is released. Thereby, at the start of the vehicle 1, it is possible to start from the home position.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 4, and FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the return unit 30 is provided on the rotation shaft 22. The return unit 30 is a mechanism that returns the operation unit 21 to the home position when the operation unit 21 is rotated to a position other than the home position. In the present embodiment, the return unit 30 includes a damper body 31, a ball-shaped damper pin 38, and a damper spring 39 that biases the damper pin 38 against the damper body 31.

[0037] The regulating body 31 is a member having a cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotation axis 22, and is also called a regulating plate. The rotation axis 22 extending along the axial direction of the regulating body 31 is pierced through the regulating body 31. The regulating body 31 is connected and fixed to the operation part 21 by a fixing member 23 such as a screw. Note that the regulating body 31 may be connected and fixed to the operation part 21 by engaging the engaging part of the regulating body 31 with the engaged part of the operation part 21.

[0038] Thus, since the regulating body 31 is connected and fixed to the operation part 21, the regulating body 31 can rotate integrally with the rotation axis 22 and the operation part 21.

[0039] The regulating body 31 may be integrally formed with the paddle lever 20. That is, it can be said that the regulating body 31 is integrally formed with the rotation axis 22. Integral formation means that the regulating body 31 and the rotation axis 22 cannot be separated without being destroyed. Note that the regulating body 31 may be a separate body separable from the paddle lever 20.

[0040] On the regulating body 31, regulating ridges 32 arranged in the rotation direction of the operation part 21 are formed. The regulating ridges 32 are formed on the regulating body 31 in the axial direction of the rotation axis 22. The regulating ridges 32 are notches formed in the regulating body 31. Two regulating ridges 32 are formed side by side in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction in the regulating body 31. It can also be said that the regulating ridges 32 having the same shape are formed in a point-symmetric manner about the axis of the rotation axis 22. Note that the number of regulating ridges 32 formed on the regulating body 31 is not limited to two, and only one regulating ridge 32 may be formed on the regulating body 31. When one regulating ridge 32 is formed on the regulating body 31, for example, it can be applied when the force required for the driver to operate the paddle lever 20 is small. Note that three or more regulating ridges 32 may be formed on the regulating body 31.

[0041] In the cam 32, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22, the cam pin 38 is biased by the cam spring 39. Specifically, the cam pin 38 and the cam spring 39 are attached to the holding portion 40 so as to press against the cam 32. Therefore, while the cam pin 38 is pressed against the cam 32 by the cam spring 39, the cam pin 38 and the cam spring 39 can slide along the cam 32 as the paddle lever 20 rotates.

[0042] The cam 32 has an inclined surface 32c. The inclined surface 32c is a general term including one-side inclined surface 32c1 and the other-side inclined surface 32c2. One or more stepped portions 32b are formed on the inclined surface 32c of the cam 32. The cam pin 38 is located in the valley portion of the cam 32 when the operation portion 21 is in the home position.

[0043] When the first operation portion 21a of the operation portion 21 is operated, while the cam pin 38 is pressed against the cam 32 by the cam spring 39, the cam pin 38 moves toward the back side of the accommodating portion 44 while sliding on the one-side inclined surface 32c1 having the stepped portion 32b. At this time, since the cam pin 38 gets over the stepped portion 32b of the one-side inclined surface 32c1, the load from the cam pin 38 that gets over the stepped portion 32b is transmitted to the operation portion 21 and becomes a load on the operation portion 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling. Also, when the second operation portion 21b of the operation portion 21 is operated, while the cam pin 38 is pressed against the cam 32 by the cam spring 39, the cam pin 38 moves toward the back side of the accommodating portion 44 while sliding on the other-side inclined surface 32c2 having the stepped portion 32b. Also at this time, since the cam pin 38 gets over the stepped portion 32b of the other-side inclined surface 32c2, the load from the cam pin 38 that gets over the stepped portion 32b is transmitted to the operation portion 21 and becomes a load on the operation portion 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3A, the holding portion 40 has a cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotating shaft 22. The holding portion 40 is adjacent to the cam body 31 and is disposed at a position on the side opposite to the operation portion 21 side of the cam body 31 so as to face the cam 32 of the cam body 31. A through hole 41 through which the rotating shaft 22 is inserted is formed in the holding portion 40.

[0045] The holding part 40 is connected to the housing 80. Around the through hole 41 of the holding part 40, an engaging recess 42 and a receiving part 44 are formed.

[0046] The engaging recess 42 is inserted with the engaged part 33 of the restricting body 31, so that the holding part 40 and the restricting body 31 are connected. Since the engaged part 33 of the restricting body 31 is inserted into the holding part 40, the restricting body 31 can rotate with the rotation of the paddle lever 20 with respect to the holding part 40.

[0047] The receiving part 44 houses the restricting pin 38 and the restricting spring 39 so that the restricting pin 38 is exposed and the restricting pin 38 can move along the inner surface.

[0048] The rotating plate 50 is adjacent to the holding part 40 and is arranged on the side opposite to the restricting body 31 side of the holding part 40. A through hole 51 pierced by the rotating shaft 22 is formed in the rotating plate 50. Since the rotating plate 50 is connected to the rotating shaft 22, the rotating plate 50 can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 22.

[0049] A wiring having a movable contact is fixed to the rotating plate 50. The wiring rotates according to the rotation of the rotating plate 50. For this reason, the movable contact of the wiring is electrically connected to and disconnected from the fixed contact of the wiring mounted on the circuit board 60 according to the rotation of the rotating plate 50. That is, when the rotating plate 50 rotates as the operating part 21 rotates, the wiring of the rotating plate 50 also rotates. As a result, since the movable contact of the wiring and the fixed contact of the circuit board 60 are electrically connected to and disconnected from each other, the circuit board 60 can output the above-described signal by opening and closing the electric circuit between the wiring of the rotating plate 50 and the wiring of the circuit board 60. That is, the circuit board 60 outputs a signal corresponding to the operated operating part 21.

[0050] The circuit board 60 is adjacent to the rotating plate 50 and is arranged on the side opposite to the holding part 40 side of the rotating plate 50. A through hole 61 pierced by the rotating shaft 22 is formed in the circuit board 60. Since the circuit board 60 is not connected to the rotating shaft 22, it does not rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 22.

[0051] Since the circuit board 60 is connected to lead wires for external connection or the like, it is electrically connected to the ECU of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the ECU can execute a predetermined process according to a signal from the circuit board 60 to blink a lamp such as a turn signal lamp.

[0052] The housing 80 houses the rotation shaft 22 of the operation unit 21, the return unit 30, the holding unit 40, the rotating plate 50, the circuit board 60, and the cover 70. It constitutes the outer shell of the return unit 30, the holding unit 40, the rotating plate 50, the circuit board 60, and the cover 70.

[0053] The cover 70 is adjacent to the circuit board 60 and is disposed on the side opposite to the rotating plate 50 side of the circuit board 60. The cover 70 covers the circuit board 60 and protects the circuit board 60. The cover 70 is connected and fixed to the housing 80 so as to close the opening of the housing 80.

[0054] In such a pair of paddle switches 10, for example, when the operation unit 21 is in the home position, the regulation pin 38 is pressed against the valley portion of the regulation ridge 32. When the first operation portion 21a of the operation unit 21 rotates so as to approach the steering 2 side, the regulation body 31 also rotates together with the operation unit 21, and the regulation pin 38 slides while contacting the inclined surface 32c1 (the inclined surface of the valley portion in the regulation ridge 32) on one side of the regulation ridge 32, and moves toward the back side of the accommodation portion 44. When the operation of the operation unit 21 by the driver is released, the regulation pin 38 slides in the direction of returning to the valley portion of the regulation ridge 32 by the biasing force of the regulation spring 39. Along with this, the return portion 30 and the first operation portion 21a rotate in the direction of returning to the home position. Also, when the second operation portion 21b of the operation unit 21 rotates so as to approach the steering 2 side, the regulation body 31 also rotates together with the operation unit 21, and the regulation pin 38 slides while contacting the inclined surface 32c2 on the other side of the regulation ridge 32, and moves toward the back side of the accommodation portion 44. When the operation of the operation unit 21 by the driver is released, the regulation pin 38 slides in the direction of returning to the valley portion of the regulation ridge 32 by the biasing force of the regulation spring 39. Along with this, the return portion 30 and the second operation portion 21b rotate in the direction of returning to the home position. As described above, the operation unit 21 is always arranged in the home position unless it is operated by the driver.

[0055] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the regulation body 31 is connected and fixed to the operation unit 21 and the holding portion 40 is inserted into the rotation shaft 22 is illustrated. However, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8(a) and (b), the holding portion 140 may be integrally formed with the paddle lever 120. That is, it can be said that the holding portion 140 is integrally formed with the rotation shaft 122.

[0056] In this case, the engaging concave portion 142 and the accommodation portion 144 of the holding portion 140 are open toward the circuit board 60 side. Since the engaged portion 133 of the regulation body 131 in the return portion 130 is inserted into the engaging concave portion 142 and the regulation pin 38 and the regulation spring 39 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 144, the holding portion 140, the regulation pin 38, and the regulation spring 39 can rotate together with the rotation of the paddle lever 120 with respect to the regulation body 131.

[0057] The regulating body 131 is connected to the housing 80 and fixed so as not to be rotatable. The regulating body 131 is arranged in the housing 80 such that the regulating ridge 132 faces the engaging concave portion 142 of the holding portion 140.

[0058] Since the holding portion 140 has more material options than the regulating ridge 132, it is easier to suppress an increase in the number of parts in the paddle switch 10 by integrally forming the holding portion 140 and the paddle lever 120 than in the case of FIG. 3A etc. where the holding portion 40 is inserted into the rotating shaft 22.

[0059] Also in this case, when the first operation portion 21a of the operation portion 21 rotates, the holding portion 140 rotates and the regulating pin 38 comes into contact with the slope 132c1 on one side of the regulating ridge 132. When the operation by the driver on the operation portion 21 is released, the regulating pin 38 moves in the direction of returning to the valley portion of the regulating ridge 132 by the biasing force of the regulating spring 39, and accordingly, the first operation portion 21a and the holding portion 140 rotate in the direction of returning to the home position. Further, when the second operation portion 21b of the operation portion 21 rotates, the holding portion 140 rotates and the regulating pin 38 comes into contact with the slope 132c2 on the other side of the regulating ridge 132. When the operation by the driver on the operation portion 21 is released, the regulating pin 38 moves in the direction of returning to the valley portion of the regulating ridge 132 by the biasing force of the regulating spring 39, and accordingly, the second operation portion 21b and the holding portion 140 rotate in the direction of returning to the home position. Note that the slope 132c is a general term including the slope 132c1 on one side and the slope 132c2 on the other side.

[0060] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where one step portion 32b is formed on each of the slopes 32c of the regulating ridges 32 in the cylindrical regulating body 31 has been exemplified, but for example, a configuration such as the regulating body 231 shown in FIG. 9 may be used. A plurality of step portions 232b may be formed on each of the slopes 232c of the regulating ridges 232 in the regulating body 231.

[0061] In FIG. 9, a first stepped portion 1232b and a second stepped portion 2232b are formed on the slope 232c of the regulating ridge 232. Note that the stepped portion 232b is a general term including the first stepped portion 1232b and the second stepped portion 2232b.

[0062] For example, when the first operation portion 21a of the operation unit 21 is operated, while the regulating pin 38 is pressed against the regulating ridge 232 by the regulating spring 39, the regulating pin 38 moves toward the inner side of the housing portion 144 in FIG. 8 while sliding on one side slope 232c1 of the stepped portion 232b. At this time, in order for the regulating pin 38 to cross the first stepped portion 1232b of one side slope 232c1, the load from the regulating pin 38 crossing the first stepped portion 1232b is transmitted to the operation unit 21 and becomes a load on the operation unit 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling. Further, when the first operation portion 21a of the operation unit 21 is operated, in order for the regulating pin 38 to cross the second stepped portion 2232b of one side slope 232c1, the load from the regulating pin 38 crossing the second stepped portion 2232b is transmitted to the operation unit 21 and becomes a load on the operation unit 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling.

[0063] Also, when the second operation portion 21b of the operation unit 21 is operated, while the regulating pin 38 is pressed against the regulating ridge 232 by the regulating spring 39, the regulating pin 38 moves toward the inner side of the housing portion 44 while sliding on the other side slope 232c2 of the stepped portion 232b. Also at this time, in order for the regulating pin 38 to cross the first stepped portion 1232b of the other side slope 232c2, the load from the regulating pin 38 crossing the first stepped portion 1232b is transmitted to the operation unit 21 and becomes a load on the operation unit 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling. Further, when the second operation portion 21b of the operation unit 21 is operated, in order for the regulating pin 38 to cross the second stepped portion 2232b of the other side slope 232c2, the load from the regulating pin 38 crossing the second stepped portion 2232b is transmitted to the operation unit 21 and becomes a load on the operation unit 21, and the driver can obtain an operation feeling.

[0064] Since the regulation ridges 232 are formed on the circumference of the cylindrical regulating body 231, it is possible to secure the length of the regulation ridges 232 while suppressing the increase in size. Therefore, a configuration is adopted in which a plurality of stepped portions 232b are formed on the inclined surface 232c of the regulation ridges 232, so that the driver can obtain various operating feelings, such as a multi-step operating feeling.

[0065] Also, different signals may be output from the circuit board 60 when the regulation pin 38 crosses the first stepped portion 1232b and when the regulation pin 38 crosses the second stepped portion 2232b.

[0066] For example, when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to approach the steering wheel 2 side and the regulation pin 38 crosses the first stepped portion 1232b, an ON signal for passing of the headlight is output from the circuit board 60. Further, when the second operation portion 21b is rotated so as to approach the steering wheel 2 side and the regulation pin 38 crosses the second stepped portion 2232b, an ON signal for high beam or passing of the headlight may be output from the circuit board 60. In this way, by forming a plurality of stepped portions 232b on the inclined surface 232c of the regulation ridges 232 and configuring the second operation portion 21b to rotate step by step (changing the rotation angle), a plurality of different signals can be output from the circuit board 60.

[0067] Similarly, the first operation portion 21a is also configured to rotate step by step (changing the rotation angle), and different signals may be output from the circuit board 60 when the regulation pin 38 crosses the first stepped portion 1232b and when the regulation pin 38 crosses the second stepped portion 2232b.

[0068] <Operational Effects> Hereinafter, the operational effects of the paddle switch 10 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0069] As described above, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 1 in the present embodiment includes paddle levers 20 and 120 disposed on the traveling direction side of the vehicle 1 with respect to the steering 2 of the vehicle 1. Further, the paddle levers 20 and 120 have an operation portion 21 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 and rotation shafts 22 and 122 extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation portion 21. Further, the operation portion 21 is rotatable about the rotation shafts 22 and 122. Further, the operation portion 21 has a first operation portion 21a extending upward of the vehicle 1 with respect to the rotation shafts 22 and 122 and a second operation portion 21b extending downward of the vehicle 1 with respect to the rotation shafts 22 and 122. The first operation portion 21a is rotatable about the rotation shafts 22 and 122 so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side with respect to the rotation shafts 22 and 122. And the second operation portion 21b is rotatable about the rotation shafts 22 and 122 so as to approach or move away from the steering 2 side with respect to the rotation shafts 22 and 122.

[0070] According to this, since one paddle lever 20, 120 can be operated in two directions, functions corresponding to the first operation portion 21a and the second operation portion 21b can be imparted.

[0071] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve multifunctionalization.

[0072] Further, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 2 in the present embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in Technology 1. In this case, the paddle lever 20 has a cylindrical restricting body 31 coaxial with the rotation shaft 22, a restricting spring 39, and a restricting pin 38. Further, restricting ridges 32 are formed on the restricting body 31 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 22. And on the restricting ridges 32, the restricting pin 38 is biased by the restricting spring 39 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 22.

[0073] According to this, since the restricting ridges 32 are formed on the cylindrical restricting body 31, the moving length of the restricting pin 38 can be increased. Therefore, the restricting ridges 32 can be freely designed so as to give an operation feeling when the driver operates the paddle lever 20.

[0074] Also, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 3 in this embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in Technology 2. In this case, the damper body 31 is integrally formed with the paddle lever 20.

[0075] According to this, an increase in the number of parts in the paddle switch 10 can be suppressed.

[0076] Also, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 4 in this embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in Technology 1. In this case, it includes a cylindrical holding portion 140 coaxial with the rotating shaft 122 fixed to the paddle lever 120, and a cylindrical damper body 131 connected to the holding portion 140 and inserted through the rotating shaft 122. Further, on the damper body 131 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 122, damper ridges 132 are formed. And on the damper ridges 132, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 122, a damper pin 38 is biased by a damper spring 39.

[0077] According to this, since the load via the damper pin 38 and the damper spring 39 is transmitted to the operation portion 21, by freely setting the shape of the damper ridges 132, the operating feeling of the paddle lever 20 can be given to the driver.

[0078] Also, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 5 in this embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in Technology 4. In this case, the holding portion 140 is integrally formed with the paddle lever 120.

[0079] According to this, since the holding portion 140 has more material options than the damper ridges 132, it becomes easier to integrally form the holding portion 140 and the paddle lever 20 to suppress an increase in the number of parts in the paddle switch 10.

[0080] In addition, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 6 in the present embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 5. In this case, for the operation of rotating the first operation portion 21a closer to or farther from the steering 2 than the rotation shafts 22 and 122, and the operation of rotating the second operation portion 21b closer to or farther from the steering 2 than the rotation shafts 22 and 122, any one of the functions of a direction indicator switch, a dimmer switch, or a wiper switch is assigned.

[0081] According to this, the paddle switch 10 can also be used as a combination switch.

[0082] In addition, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 7 in the present embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in any one of Technologies 2 to 6. In this case, one or more stepped portions 32b and 232b are formed on the inclined surfaces 32c, 32c1, 32c2, 132c, 132c1, 132c2, 232c1, and 232c2 of the damper ridges 32, 132, and 232.

[0083] According to this, since the load corresponding to the shapes of the inclined surfaces 32c, 32c1, 32c2, 132c, 132c1, 132c2, 232c1, and 232c2 of the damper ridges 32, 132, and 232 is transmitted to the paddle levers 20 and 120, the damper ridges 32, 132, and 232 can be freely designed so as to give the operating feeling when the driver operates the paddle levers 20 and 120.

[0084] In addition, the paddle switch 10 of Technology 8 in the present embodiment is the paddle switch 10 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7. In this case, the paddle levers 20 and 120 are arranged in a pair on the traveling direction side of the vehicle 1 rather than the steering 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0085] According to this, since the paddle switches 10 can be arranged on the left and right of the steering 2, it becomes possible to have more functions.

[0086] In addition, if a pair of paddle levers 20 and 120 are arranged on the left and right sides of the steering 2, the driver can operate the pair of paddle levers 20 and 120 with the left and right hands, so that a paddle switch 10 with good operability can be provided.

[0087] (Other modifications) As described above, the paddle switch according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the rotation axis may be integrally formed with the operation part or may be a separate body separable from the operation part.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the paddle switch 10 is not limited to being attached to the steering column, and may be attached to the back surface of the steering 2 of the paddle switch 10. In this case, the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 or the left-right direction of the vehicle 1, etc. refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 or the left-right direction of the vehicle 1 when the steering 2 is in the neutral position.

[0090] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

[0091] The paddle switch according to the present disclosure can be used as a man-machine interface in a vehicle.

Explanation of Signs

[0092] 1 Vehicle 2 Steering 10 Paddle switch 20, 120 Paddle lever 21 Operation part 21a First operation part 21b Second operation part 22, 122 Rotating shaft 31, 131, 231 Restraining body 32, 132, 232 Restraining ridge 32b, 232b Step part 32c, 32c1, 32c2, 132c, 132c1, 132c2, 232c1, 232c2 Inclined plane 38 Restraining pin 39 Restraining spring 1232b First step part 2232b Second step part

Claims

1. A paddle lever disposed on the traveling direction side of the vehicle with respect to the steering of the vehicle, The paddle lever, An operation part extending in the up-down direction of the vehicle, and A rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation part, The operation part is rotatable about the rotation axis, The operation part has a first operation part extending above the vehicle with respect to the rotation axis and a second operation part extending below the vehicle with respect to the rotation axis, The first operation part is rotatable about the rotation axis so as to approach or move away from the steering side with respect to the rotation axis, The second operation part is rotatable about the rotation axis so as to approach or move away from the steering side with respect to the rotation axis A paddle switch.

2. The paddle lever, A cylindrical restricting body coaxial with the rotation axis, A restricting spring, and A restricting pin, On the restricting body in the axial direction of the rotation axis, restricting ridges are formed, On the restricting ridges, in the axial direction of the rotation axis, the restricting pin is urged by the restricting spring The paddle switch according to claim 1.

3. The restricting body is integrally formed with the paddle lever The paddle switch according to claim 2.

4. A cylindrical holding part coaxial with the rotation axis, fixed to the paddle lever, A restricting body having a cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotation axis and connected to the holding part, On the restricting body in the axial direction of the rotation axis, restricting ridges are formed, In the regulating cam, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a regulating pin is biased by a regulating spring The paddle switch according to claim 1.

5. The holding portion is integrally formed with the paddle lever. The paddle switch according to claim 4.

6. For the operation of rotating the first operating portion closer to or farther from the steering side than the rotating shaft, and the operation of rotating the second operating portion closer to or farther from the steering side than the rotating shaft, any one of the functions of a direction indicator switch, a dimmer switch, or a wiper switch is assigned. The paddle switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. One or more stepped portions are formed on the slope of the regulating cam. The paddle switch according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. A pair of the paddle levers are arranged on the vehicle travel direction side of the vehicle steering. The paddle switch according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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