Switch apparatus

Abstract

To provide a switch apparatus capable of improving operability.SOLUTION: A switch apparatus 1 is attached to a steering wheel 12 of a vehicle. The switch apparatus 1 includes a tilt member 2 capable of tilting relative to the steering wheel 12. The tilt member 2 includes, at multiple locations, operating portions where the tilt member 2 tilts in accordance with an operation given by a user. The multiple operating portions each include at least: a first operator 21a located at a front-surface side X1 relative to the steering wheel 12; and a second operator 21b located at a back-surface side X2 relative to the steering wheel 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lever-shaped combination switch that extends from the left and right sides of the steering column. The combination switch described in Patent Document 1 is configured to operate a turn signal device or a wiper device in response to tilting the switch up and down, and to operate a light device or a washer device in response to tilting the switch forward and backward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 144959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A combination switch of the type described in Patent Document 1 that is formed to extend from both the left and right sides of the steering column can only be tilted using the end that protrudes from the steering column.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a switch device that is attached to the steering wheel of a vehicle, and has a tilting member that can be tilted relative to the steering wheel, and the tilting member has operating units at multiple locations that are operated by a user to cause the tilting member to perform a tilting operation, and the multiple operating units have at least a first operating unit located on the front side of the steering wheel and a second operating unit located on the back side of the steering wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device that can improve operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a steering wheel and a steering column on which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a steering wheel and a steering column on which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a push operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a pull operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a down operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an up operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a vehicle in which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The embodiment described below is shown as a preferred specific example for carrying out the present invention, and although various technically preferable technical matters are specifically exemplified, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of a steering wheel 12 on which a switch device 1 according to this embodiment is mounted. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the steering wheel 12 and steering column 11 on which the switch device 1 is mounted. Fig. 3 is a side view of the steering wheel 12 and steering column 11 on which the switch device 1 is mounted.

[0011] The switch device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on an automobile as a vehicle. The switch device 1 is attached to a steering wheel 12 that rotates relative to a steering column 11, and is an input device for operating in-vehicle equipment. The steering column 11 is fixed to the vehicle body so as to protrude into the passenger compartment, and rotatably supports a steering shaft 13. The steering wheel 12 is fixed to the end of the steering shaft 13 in the vehicle rearward direction.

[0012] The steering wheel 12 is an irregular steering wheel with a non-circular grip portion 122 that is gripped by a user (hereinafter referred to as the driver) sitting in the driver's seat. Hereinafter, when describing the structure of the steering wheel 12, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the structure when the rotational position of the steering wheel 12 is in a neutral position (i.e., the position of the steering wheel 12 when the vehicle is moving straight ahead).

[0013] Furthermore, the fore-and-aft direction X refers to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the left-and-right direction Y refers to the vehicle width direction, and the up-and-down direction Z refers to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the inside of the left-and-right direction Y refers to the center side of the steering wheel 12 in the left-and-right direction Y, and the outside of the left-and-right direction Y refers to the side farther from the center of the steering wheel 12. Furthermore, the left side and the right side refer to the left side and the right side when facing the forward direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the front side X1 and the rear side X2 refer to the front side and the rear side of the steering wheel 12. In other words, the front side X1 is the backward direction of the vehicle, and the rear side X2 is the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0014] The steering wheel 12 of this embodiment includes a boss portion 121, a pair of grip portions 122, an upper extension portion 123, and a lower connecting portion 124. The boss portion 121 is a portion to which the steering shaft 13 is connected. Steering switches 121a are provided on the left and right sides of the front portion of the boss portion 121. In Figs. 1 and 2, the outline of the area in which the steering switches 121a are arranged is shown, and the detailed switch shapes are not shown. The steering switches 121a are switches for operating predetermined in-vehicle devices, and are composed of, for example, multiple push button switches. The inside of the boss portion 121 houses components such as a circuit board that constitutes the steering switch 121a, a warning device, an airbag device, etc.

[0015] The pair of grip portions 122 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the boss portion 121 and are appropriately formed into a shape that is easy for the driver to grip. Unlike this embodiment, steering wheels that are not irregular steering wheels have grip portions formed in an annular shape, but in irregular steering wheels like this embodiment, the grip portions 122 are formed in a non-circular shape. In this embodiment, the grip portions 122 are formed long in the vertical direction Z.

[0016] The upper extension portion 123 extends inward in the left-right direction Y from the upper portion of the grip portion 122. In this embodiment, a pair of upper extension portions 123 is provided, each extending inward in the left-right direction Y from the upper portion of the pair of grip portions 122. The upper portion of the grip portion 122 is a portion above the center position of the grip portion 122 in the up-down direction Z. In this embodiment, the upper extension portion 123 is formed to extend toward the back side X2 as it extends inward in the left-right direction Y.

[0017] The inside of the upper extension portion 123 in the left-right direction Y is connected to the boss portion 121. The upper extension portion 123 is formed so as not to protrude from an imaginary circle passing through the pair of grip portions 122 when the steering wheel 12 is viewed from the front side X1. This prevents the steering wheel 12 from making it difficult to see the meters on the instrument panel located on the back side X2 of the steering wheel 12.

[0018] The lower connecting portion 124 connects the lower portions of the pair of grip portions 122. The center portion of the lower connecting portion 124 in the left-right direction Y is connected to the boss portion 121. The lower connecting portion 124 is formed so as not to protrude from an imaginary circle that passes through the pair of grip portions 122 when the steering wheel 12 is viewed from the front side X1. This ensures a large space below the steering wheel 12, making it less likely that the driver's knees or the like will hit the steering wheel 12.

[0019] In this embodiment, the steering system in which the switch device 1 is installed is a so-called steer-by-wire type. A steer-by-wire type steering system is a system in which the steering wheel 12 and a steering device such as a rack-and-pinion mechanism are mechanically separated and electrically connected. The maximum steering angle of the steering wheel 12 from the neutral position is less than 360° to the left and right, specifically, for example, 200°, 150°, etc.

[0020] In this embodiment, two switch devices 1 are attached to the steering wheel 12. That is, the two switch devices 1 are configured to rotate integrally with the steering wheel 12 around the steering shaft 13. When describing the structure of the switch device 1, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the structure when the rotational position of the steering wheel 12 is in the neutral position.

[0021] The two switch devices 1 are located on both the left and right sides of the boss portion 121. The switch device 1 includes a tilting member 2 that can be tilted relative to the steering wheel 12 as an attachment object, a detection unit 3 that detects the tilting action of the tilting member 2, a detent mechanism 4 that gives a sense of detent when the tilting member 2 is tilted, and a control unit 5 that processes the detection results of the detection unit 3. In this embodiment, the tilting members 2 of the two switch devices 1 are formed symmetrically to each other in the left-right direction Y, but this is not limited to this.

[0022] The tilting member 2 has a main body portion 21 formed to define an insertion space 210 into which the upper extension portion 123 of the steering wheel 12 is inserted, and a shaft portion 22 extending downward from the main body portion 21 and connected to the boss portion 121.

[0023] In this embodiment, the main body 21 has a front wall 211, a rear wall 212, a lower wall 213 connecting the lower ends of the front wall 211 and the rear wall 212, and an upper wall 214 connecting the upper ends of the front wall 211 and the rear wall 212, and is formed in an annular shape as a whole. The inner space of the annular main body 21 forms the insertion space 210. The insertion space 210 of the main body 21 is formed large enough so that the main body 21 does not come into contact with the upper extension 123 during a tilting operation, but the main body 21 may also be configured to come into contact with the upper extension 123.

[0024] The front wall 211 is located on the front side X1 of the upper extension 123 of the steering wheel 12, and is formed along the vertical direction Z. The surface of the front side X1 of the front wall 211 has a function indicator 211a that is used when the driver operates the tilting member 2. In this embodiment, the function indicator 211a is, for example, an arrow symbol that indicates the tilting direction of the tilting member 2. The method for realizing the function indicator 211a is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to convey information to the driver. For example, the function indicator 211a may be realized by printing information such as symbols and letters on the surface of the front side X1 of the front wall 211, or by configuring the surface of the front side X1 of the front wall 211 to emit light such as symbols and letters, or by providing the front wall 211 with irregularities, holes, etc. in the shape of symbols, letters, etc.

[0025] The rear wall portion 212 is located on the opposite side of the front wall portion 211 with the upper extension portion 123 in between, and is formed along the vertical direction Z. The lower wall portion 213 is formed to pass below the upper extension portion 123. The upper wall portion 214 is formed to pass above the upper extension portion 123. The upper wall portion 214 is formed to face the lower wall portion 213 in the vertical direction Z.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the lower wall portion 213 and the upper wall portion 214 include a central portion 215 located in the center, a front side inclined portion 216 extending from the central portion 215 to the front side X1 and inclined outward in the left-right direction Y as it approaches the front side X1, and a back side inclined portion 217 extending from the central portion 215 to the back side X2 and inclined outward in the left-right direction Y as it approaches the back side X2.

[0027] The portion of the main body 21 that protrudes from the upper extension portion 123 to the front side X1 constitutes the first operating portion 21a, and the portion of the main body 21 that protrudes from the upper extension portion 123 to the rear side X2 constitutes the second operating portion 21b. That is, the first operating portion 21a is made up of the front wall 211 and portions of the front-side inclined portions 216 of the lower wall 213 and the upper wall 214 that protrude from the upper extension portion 123 to the front side X1, and the second operating portion 21b is made up of the rear wall 212 and portions of the rear-side inclined portions 217 of the lower wall 213 and the upper wall 214 that protrude from the upper extension portion 123 to the rear side X2.

[0028] The first operating unit 21a and the second operating unit 21b are parts operated by the driver to tilt the tilting member 2, and are formed at positions separated from each other. The first operating unit 21a is located on the front side X1 of the upper extension portion 123, and the second operating unit 21b is located on the back side X2 of the upper extension portion 123. Details of the tilting operation of the tilting member 2 will be described later, but the first operating unit 21a is pushed by the driver's thumb while gripping the grip portion 122, and the second operating unit 21b is pulled and moved up and down by, for example, the driver's index finger or middle finger while gripping the grip portion 122.

[0029] 3, the shaft portion 22 extends downward from the lower wall portion 213 and is formed in a columnar shape that is long in the vertical direction Z. A lower end portion of the shaft portion 22 is connected to the boss portion 121.

[0030] The tilting member 2 is configured to be tiltable so as to rotate in both directions about a first axis A1, which is the central axis of the shaft portion 22, and also tiltable in both directions in the front-rear direction X about a second axis A2 located at the bottom of the shaft portion 22. The first axis A1 is an axis extending along the vertical direction Z. The direction extending along the vertical direction Z includes not only a direction parallel to the vertical direction Z, but also a direction inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0031] 2, the first axis A1 is located more inward in the left-right direction Y than an end portion on the front side X1 of the first operating unit 21a and an end portion on the back side X2 of the second operating unit 21b. In this embodiment, the first axis A1 is located more inward in the left-right direction Y than a front wall portion 211 of the first operating unit 21a and a back wall portion 212 of the second operating unit 21b. The second axis A2 is an axis along the left-right direction Y. A direction along the left-right direction Y includes not only a direction parallel to the left-right direction Y, but also a direction inclined at an angle of less than 45° with respect to the left-right direction Y.

[0032] Here, we will explain the tilting operation of the tilting member 2. In this embodiment, we will explain an example in which the switch device 1 performs momentary operation. That is, the tilting member 2 is configured to take a standard position when not in operation, and to return to the standard position when the operating force is released after operation.

[0033] First, the operation of tilting the tilting member 2 about the first axis A1 will be described. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a push operation, which will be described later. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pull operation, which will be described later. In Figs. 4 and 5, the position of the tilting member 2 in the reference position (i.e., the tilting member 2 before operation) is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the tilting member 2 is configured to be tiltable so as to rotate about a first axis A1 from a reference position to a push operation position. The push operation position is a position in which the first operating part 21a has rotated from its position in the reference position toward the outside in the left-right direction Y. The tilting motion from the reference position to the push operation position is called a push operation. The push operation is achieved when the driver, while holding the grip part 122, presses the first operating part 21a (e.g., the front wall part 211) toward the rear side X2 with the thumb H1 of the hand H.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 , the tilting member 2 is tiltable about a first axis A1 from a reference position to a pull operation position. The pull operation position is a position in which the second operating unit 21b rotates outward in the left-right direction Y from its position in the reference position. The tilting motion from the reference position to the pull operation position is called a pull operation. A pull operation is an operation in the opposite direction to a push operation, and is performed by the driver holding the grip 122 and pulling the second operating unit 21b toward themselves with a finger other than the thumb H1 (e.g., the index finger H2). In other words, the push operation and pull operation can be performed with a feeling of pushing or pulling the tilting member 2 rather than rotating it. This feeling is easily obtained because the first axis A1 is located more inward in the left-right direction Y than the end of the front side X1 of the first operating unit 21a and the end of the back side X2 of the second operating unit 21b.

[0036] Next, the operation of tilting the tilting member 2 about the second axis A2 will be described. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a down operation, which will be described later. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an up operation, which will be described later. In Figs. 6 and 7, the positions of the hand H and the tilting member 2 in the reference position are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the tilting member 2 is configured to be tiltable so as to rotate about the second axis A2 from the reference position to the down operation position. The down operation position is a position in which the second operating part 21b rotates downward from its position in the reference position. The tilting motion from the reference position to the down operation position is called a down operation. The down operation is realized by the driver gripping the grip part 122 and lowering the second operating part 21b downward with fingers of the hand H other than the thumb H1 (for example, the index finger H2 and middle finger H3).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the tilting member 2 is configured to be tiltable so as to rotate from the reference position to the up operation position around the second axis A2. The up operation position is a position in which the second operating unit 21b rotates upward from its position in the reference position. The tilting motion from the reference position to the up operation position is called an up operation. The up operation is an operation in the opposite direction to the down operation, and is achieved by the driver holding the grip 122 and lifting the second operating unit 21b upward with fingers other than the thumb H1 (for example, the index finger H2 or middle finger H3). The tilting member 2 is capable of the above-described tilting motion. Note that the above-described method of operating the tilting member 2 is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate according to the user's preferences, etc.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the boss portion 121 houses a detector 3 that detects the tilting operation of the tilting member 2 and a detent mechanism 4 that provides a sense of detent when the tilting member 2 is tilted. The configurations of the detector 3 and the detent mechanism 4 are not particularly limited, and known mechanisms can be used. For example, the detector 3 and the detent mechanism can be similar to those used in conventional lever-type combination switches (also known as turn signal switches or wiper / washer switches) and paddle shift switches. The detector 3 can also be similar to those used in general toggle switches. For example, the detector 3 can be a device that includes a magnet fixed to the shaft portion 22 and a magnetic sensor housed in the boss portion 121 and detects the tilting operation of the tilting member 2 in a non-contact manner, or a device that includes a movable contact and a fixed contact. When the detector 3 detects a push operation, pull operation, down operation, or up operation, it outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the controller 5.

[0040] The control unit 5 includes, for example, a control area including a processor and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as an arithmetic area when the processor is operating, and a storage area including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk, etc., for storing programs executed by the processor. Note that the control unit 5 is not limited to being realized by software as long as it is configured to be able to realize its functions. For example, at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0041] 8 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a vehicle equipped with the switch device 1 of this embodiment. The control unit 5 determines the operation performed in the switch operation based on the detection signal acquired from the detection unit 3 of each switch device 1. The control unit 5 then issues a predetermined instruction to a predetermined in-vehicle device in response to the switch operation. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is connected to the light device 14, turn signal device 15, washer device 16, and wiper device 17, which are devices to be operated by the left and right switch devices 1, as will be described later, via a vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) or a LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0042] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to provide a feel similar to that of a conventional lever-type combination switch. For example, in a conventional lever-type combination switch, tilting one lever in the forward / backward direction X operates a light device 14, tilting one lever in the upward / downward direction Z operates a turn signal device 15, tilting the other lever in the forward / backward direction X drives front and rear washer devices 16, and tilting the other lever in the upward / downward direction Z operates a wiper device 17. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to provide a feel similar to that of such a conventional combination switch.

[0043] For example, when a push operation is performed on the left switch device 1, the control unit 5 instructs the light device 14 to switch the headlights between high beam and low beam. Also, when a pull operation is performed on the left switch device 1, the control unit 5 instructs the light device 14 to perform a passing operation to emit high beam from the headlights only while the pull operation is being performed.

[0044] Furthermore, when a down operation is performed on the left switch device 1, the control unit 5 instructs the turn signal device 15 to start turning on the left direction indicator. Furthermore, when an up operation is performed on the left switch device 1, the control unit 5 instructs the turn signal device 15 to start turning on the right direction indicator.

[0045] Furthermore, when the right-side switch device 1 is pushed, the control unit 5 instructs the washer device 16 to spray washer fluid onto the rear windshield. Furthermore, when the right-side switch device 1 is pulled, the control unit 5 instructs the washer device 16 to spray washer fluid onto the front windshield.

[0046] Furthermore, when the right switch device 1 is operated to move down or up, the control unit 5 instructs the wiper device 17 to change the operation mode. Examples of changes in the operation mode include changing the operation interval, the operation speed, and switching on and off.

[0047] Note that the functions assigned to the operations of each switch device 1 are not limited to those described above. For example, the functions of the operations of the left-side switch device 1 and the functions of the operations of the right-side switch device 1 may be reversed. This can be designed depending on whether the steering wheel 12 is located on the right or left side of the vehicle. Also, for example, any two operations of the left-side or right-side switch device 1 may be used to downshift and upshift the transmission.

[0048] (Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment) In the switch device 1 of this embodiment, the tilting member 2 has operation portions at a plurality of locations that are operated by the driver to tilt the tilting member 2. This improves the operability of the tilting member 2.

[0049] The multiple operation units include a first operation unit 21a located on the front side X1 of the steering wheel 12 of the steering wheel, and a second operation unit 21b located on the back side X2 of the steering wheel 12. Therefore, the first operation unit 21a can be operated with, for example, the thumb, and the second operation unit 21b can be operated with fingers other than the thumb, such as the index finger or middle finger. This further improves the operability of the tilting member 2.

[0050] The tilting member 2 can be tilted about a first axis A1 along the up-down direction Z, and can also be tilted about a second axis A2 along the left-right direction Y. This allows the tilting member 2 to be operated with a similar feel to that of a conventional lever-type combination switch.

[0051] Furthermore, the first axis A1 is located more inward in the left-right direction Y than the end of the first operating unit 21a on the front side X1 and the end of the second operating unit 21b on the back side X2. This makes it easier to perform push and pull operations by feeling like pushing and pulling the tilting member 2. This makes the operating feel of the tilting member 2 more similar to that of a lever-shaped combination switch that has been used conventionally.

[0052] The switch device 1 is configured to operate the light device 14 or the washer device 16 in response to tilting of the tilting member 2 about the first axis A1, and to operate the turn signal device 15 or the wiper device 17 in response to tilting of the tilting member 2 about the second axis A2. This allows the switch device 1 to achieve the same operational feel as a conventional lever-type combination switch and the same functions as conventional switches.

[0053] The tilting member 2 also has a main body 21 formed to define an insertion space 210 into which the steering wheel 12 is inserted. This allows for a simple configuration having a first operating unit 21a located on the front side X1 of the steering wheel 12 and a second operating unit 21b located on the back side X2 of the steering wheel 12.

[0054] Furthermore, the main body 21 is formed in an annular shape, and its interior defines the insertion space 210. By forming the tilting member 2 in an annular shape in this way, the driver can confirm that the first operating unit 21a and the second operating unit 21b are connected when viewed from above, for example. This allows the driver to intuitively understand that the first operating unit 21a and the second operating unit 21b are not separate entities but move as a single unit.

[0055] The tilting member 2 also has a shaft portion 22 that extends downward from the main body portion 21 and is connected to the boss portion 121 of the steering wheel 12. Therefore, the tilting axis of the tilting member 2 can be formed with a simple configuration.

[0056] The steering wheel 12 is an irregular steering wheel having a pair of grip portions 122 provided on each side in the left-right direction Y to be gripped by the driver, and an upper extension portion 123 extending inward in the left-right direction Y from the upper portion of the grip portion 122. The switch device 1 is attached to the irregular steering wheel so that the upper extension portion 123 is inserted into the insertion space 210. This allows the tilting member 2 to be located close to the grip portions 122. This eliminates the need to form the tilting member 2 long so that it protrudes from the steering column, as in conventional lever-shaped combination switches, and allows the tilting member 2 to be formed compactly. This prevents the tilting member 2 from hitting the driver's knees when the steering wheel 12 is turned, for example.

[0057] Furthermore, the front side X1 of the first operating unit 21a has a function indicator 211a that is used by the driver to operate the tilting member 2. This allows the function indicator 211a to be provided in a location that is easily visible to the driver, making it easier for the driver to understand how to operate the tilting member 2.

[0058] The first operating unit 21a is formed so as to extend outward in the left-right direction Y toward the front side X1, and the second operating unit 21b is formed so as to extend outward in the left-right direction Y toward the rear side X2. This makes it easier for the driver's hands to reach the first operating unit 21a and the second operating unit 21b.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch device that can improve operability.

[0060] [Second embodiment] This embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, but the location of the function indication on the tilting member 2 is changed.

[0061] 9 is a front view of the steering wheel 12 equipped with the switch device 1 of this embodiment. In FIG. 9, the left switch device 1 is shown in a state where it is operated to move up, and the right switch device 1 is shown in a reference position where it is not operated.

[0062] In this embodiment, the switch device 1 has a function indicator 211b provided on the second operating unit 21b in addition to a function indicator 211a provided on the front surface of the front wall 211, as in the first embodiment. In Fig. 9, the function indicators 211a and 211b are schematically indicated by hatching. The function indicator 211a is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0063] The function indicator 211b is provided at a position visible to a user sitting in the driver's seat when the tilting member 2 is tilted about the second axis A2 so that the second operating unit 21b faces upward (i.e., when an up operation is performed). That is, as in the switch device 1 shown on the right side of FIG. 9 , the function indicator 211b is located behind the upper extension portion 123 of the steering wheel 12 when the second operating unit 21b is in a non-operated reference position and is therefore relatively difficult to see. However, as in the switch device 1 shown on the left side of FIG. 9 , when an up operation is performed, the function indicator 211b is displaced above the upper extension portion 123 and becomes more easily visible to the user. In this embodiment, the function indicator 211b is provided on the upper surface of the rear-side inclined portion 217 of the second operating unit 21b and on the front surface of the rear wall portion 212 of the second operating unit 21b. Note that the function indicator 211b may be provided on at least one of the upper surface of the rear-side inclined portion 217 of the second operating unit 21b and the rear wall portion 212 of the second operating unit 21b, for example.

[0064] Function display 211b is the same as function display 211a except for its position. Function display 211a and function display 211b may display the same information or different information. For example, function display 211a may display information used for push and pull operations (e.g., the characters "Push" and "Pull"), and function display 211b may display information used for up and down operations (e.g., the characters "Up" and "Down").

[0065] Other configurations of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. It should be noted that, among the symbols used in the second and subsequent embodiments, the same symbols as those used in the previously described embodiments represent the same components, etc. as those in the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0066] (Functions and Effects of the Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the second operation unit 21b has a function indicator 211b that is visible to the user when the tilting member 2 is tilted so that the second operation unit 21b faces upward about the second axis A2, and that is used by the user to operate the tilting member 2. As a result, even if the function indicator 211b is provided on the second operation unit 21b located on the back side of the steering wheel 12 when the switch device 1 is in the reference position, the driver can see the function indicator 211b when the tilting member 2 is tilted upward, making it easy for the driver to understand how to operate the tilting member 2. In addition, the second embodiment has the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0067] [Variations] Possible modifications of the switch device shown in the above embodiment will now be described.

[0068] In the embodiment, the steering wheel to which the switch device is attached is an irregular steering wheel, but this is not limited to this. The steering wheel to which the switch device is attached may be, for example, a steering wheel with an annular grip. In this case, the switch device may be attached so that the spokes are inserted into the insertion space of the tilting member.

[0069] Furthermore, the detailed shape of the tilting member may be modified as appropriate as long as the tilting member can perform its function. For example, it may be possible to adopt a configuration in which at least a portion of the upper wall portion is omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the switching device performs a momentary operation, but the present invention is not limited to this and may perform an alternate operation.

[0071] In addition, in the embodiment, an example was shown in which the tilting member tilts around two axes, the first axis and the second axis, but this is not limited to this, and the number of tilting axes may be one or more. Furthermore, for example, in a case in which there are multiple switch devices as shown in the embodiment, the tilting member of one switch device may have two tilting axes and the tilting member of the other switch device may have one tilting axis, etc.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...switch device, 12...steering wheel, 121...boss portion, 122...grip portion, 123...upper extension portion, 14...light device, 15...turn signal device, 16...washer device, 17...wiper device, 2...tilting member, 21...main body portion, 21a...first operating portion, 21b...second operating portion, 211a, 211b...function display, 210...insertion space, 22...shaft portion, A1...first axis, A2...second axis, X1...front side, X2...rear side, Y...left-right direction, Z...up-down direction

Claims

1. A switch device attached to a steering wheel of a vehicle, a tilting member that can be tilted relative to the steering wheel; the tilting member has operation units at a plurality of locations that are operated by a user to cause the tilting member to perform a tilting operation; The plurality of operation units include at least a first operation unit located on the front side of the steering wheel and a second operation unit located on the rear side of the steering wheel. Switch device.

2. The tilting member is tiltable about a first axis along the up-down direction and a second axis along the left-right direction. The switch device according to claim 1 .

3. the first axis is located inside in the left-right direction of a front end of the first operating unit and a rear end of the second operating unit; The switch device according to claim 2 .

4. The tilting member is configured to operate a light device or a washer device in response to a tilting operation around the first axis, The tilting member is configured to operate a turn signal device or a wiper device in response to a tilting operation about the second axis. The switch device according to claim 2 .

5. The tilting member has a main body portion formed to define an insertion space into which the steering wheel is inserted. The switch device according to claim 1 .

6. The main body portion is formed in an annular shape, and the inside thereof constitutes the insertion space. The switch device according to claim 5 .

7. a shaft portion connected to a boss portion of the steering wheel; The switch device according to claim 1 .

8. A front surface of the first operation unit has a function display for a user to operate the tilting member. The switch device according to claim 1 .

9. The second operation unit has a function display that is visible to a user when the tilting member is tilted so that the second operation unit faces upward about the second axis, and that is used for operating the tilting member by the user. The switch device according to claim 2 .

10. The first operating portion is formed to extend outward in the left-right direction toward the front side, The second operating portion is formed so as to extend outward in the left-right direction toward the rear side. The switch device according to claim 1 .

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