Switching device

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch device that can simplify the configuration around the steering wheel. [Solution] The switch device 6 is provided on a steering wheel 1 having spokes 4 that extend in the left-right direction when in the neutral position. The switch device 6 is provided with a pair of operating parts 7 that are positioned opposite each other on the spokes 4 and whose operation is detected by a detection part 27 provided on the spokes 4. The pair of operating parts 7 includes a first operating part 7a that is operated in a first direction (direction of arrow A1) that intersects the direction in which the spokes 4 extend, and a second operating part 7b that is operated in a second direction (direction of arrow A2) opposite to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device arranged on a steering wheel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a lever combination switch used for operating a direction indicator or a wiper is well-known. This type of lever combination switch has, for example, a pair of operating levers on both the left and right sides as viewed from the driver at the back of the steering wheel. The pair of left and right operating levers are arranged, for example, so as to project from the steering column. One of the pair of left and right operating levers is used for operating the lighting and extinguishing of the direction indicator, and the other is used for operating the mode switching of the wiper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, effective use of the space around the steering wheel and improvement of the appearance around the steering wheel have been studied. However, in the case of a structure using a conventional lever combination switch, since the operating lever, which is a relatively large component, exists around the steering wheel, it has been an obstacle to the effective use of the space around the steering wheel and the improvement of the appearance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A switch device that solves the above problem is provided on a steering wheel having spokes that extend in the left-right direction when in the neutral position, and comprises a pair of operating parts arranged opposite to each other on the spokes and whose operation is detected by a detection unit provided on the spokes, the pair of operating parts having a first operating part that is operated in a first direction intersecting the direction in which the spokes extend, and a second operating part that is operated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This invention can simplify the configuration around the steering wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a steering wheel equipped with a switch device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a steering wheel equipped with a switch device. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an electrical configuration diagram of a switch device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the switch device when the first control unit is operated. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the switch device when the second control unit is operated. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the switch device when the third control unit is operated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment of this disclosure is described below. (Steering wheel 1) As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 1 has a horn pad 2 located in the center and serving as the center of rotation, and a grip portion 3 arranged around the horn pad 2. The grip portion 3 is formed in an annular shape, for example, to encircle the entire perimeter of the horn pad 2. The steering wheel 1 has spoke portions 4 connecting the horn pad 2 and the grip portion 3. The spoke portions 4 are provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right, so that they extend in the left-right direction when the steering wheel 1 is in the neutral position (in Figure 1, only the right side is shown).

[0009] (Switching device 6) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the steering wheel 1 is equipped with a switch device 6 that allows switch operation while gripping the grip portion 3 of the steering wheel 1. The switch device 6 is equipped with a pair of operating parts 7 positioned opposite each other on the spoke portion 4. The pair of operating parts 7 includes a first operating part 7a that is operated in a first direction (direction of arrow A1 in Figure 1) intersecting the direction in which the spoke portion 4 extends, and a second operating part 7b that is operated in a second direction (direction of arrow A2 in Figure 1) opposite to the first direction. In this example, the first direction is the operating direction that pushes the operating part 7 upwards. The second direction is the operating direction that pushes the operating part 7 downwards.

[0010] The targets of the switch device 6 are, for example, turn signals, wiper devices, and light devices. Preferably, the targets of the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b are the same device. In particular, it is preferable that the target of the switch device 6 is a vehicle-mounted turn signal. Turn signals illuminate (flash) when turning left or right or changing lanes. Thus, the pair of operation units 7 are for operating turn signals that indicate the direction of travel of the vehicle to the surroundings with lights. When the target of the switch device 6 is a turn signal, the first operation unit 7a is used for left turn signals, and the second operation unit 7b is used for right turn signals. Also, for example, when the target of the switch device 6 is a wiper device or a light device, the first operation unit 7a is used for sequential mode switching, and the second operation unit 7b is used for reverse mode switching.

[0011] (1st operation part 7a) As shown in Figure 3, the first operating section 7a has a first body section 9 positioned opposite the upper surface 8 of the spoke section 4 when it is in the neutral position, and a first operating area section 11 positioned opposite the back surface 10 of the spoke section 4 as the part to which the operating load is applied. In this example, the first body section 9 and the first operating area section 11 are formed to be orthogonal to each other in a side view. The first body section 9 is formed, for example, in a block shape. The first operating area section 11 is formed, for example, in a shape that makes it easy to hook a finger and apply a load. Preferably, the first operating section 7a is of the momentary type, which automatically returns to its original initial position when the finger is released after operation.

[0012] A connecting portion 12 is provided protruding from the inside of the first body portion 9, which connects to the spoke portion 4. The first body portion 9 is rotatably supported by the spoke portion 4 via a shaft portion 13 formed on the connecting portion 12. The shaft portion 13 extends in the direction in which the spoke portion 4 extends (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3). Thus, the first operating portion 7a is rotary, and is operated by rotating it around the axis of the shaft portion 13 along the direction in which the spoke portion 4 extends (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3).

[0013] (Second operation section 7b) The second operating section 7b has a second body section 16 positioned opposite the lower surface 15 of the spoke section 4 when it is in the neutral position, and a second operating area section 17 positioned opposite the back surface 10 of the spoke section 4 as the part to which the operating load is applied. The second operating section 7b has a connecting section 18 and a shaft section 19, similar to the first operating section 7a. Thus, the second operating section 7b is rotary in type and is operated by rotating it around the axis of the shaft section 19 along the direction in which the spoke section 4 extends (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3). Preferably, the second operating section 7b is momentary in type, for example, so that it automatically returns to its original initial position when the finger is released after operation.

[0014] (Third operation section 7c) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the switch device 6 includes a third operation unit 7c disposed on the front surface 21 of the spoke portion 4 so as to be positioned between the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b. The third operation unit 7c is, for example, a pressing operation type that is pressed in the thickness direction of the spoke portion 4 (the -X axis direction in FIG. 2). The third operation unit 7c has a pressing operation surface 22 that is pressed with a finger during a pressing operation, and a touch operation surface 23 that is operated by a touch operation of a human body at a position adjacent to the pressing operation surface 22. Further, the third operation unit 7c is preferably a momentary type that automatically returns to its original initial position, for example, when the finger is released after the operation.

[0015] The touch operation surface 23 is, for example, an electrostatic touch detection type that detects a touch operation based on the capacitance that changes due to the approach or contact of a human body. The touch operation surface 23 may be, for example, a surface that is simply touched or a surface that is traced with a finger or the like. The operation target of the third operation unit 7c may be the same device as the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b, or may be a device different from the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b.

[0016] (Design portion 25) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one of the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b has a design portion 25 indicating the use. In this example, both the first operation unit 7a and the second operation unit 7b have the design portion 25. The design portion 25 is provided on the front end surface of the first body portion 9 and the second body portion 16, respectively. The design portion 25 is a mark indicating the operation content executable by the first operation unit 7a or the second operation unit 7b. For example, if the operation target of the switch device 6 is a direction indicator, the design portion 25 provided on the first operation unit 7a is a mark indicating a left turn instruction, and the design portion 25 provided on the second operation unit 7b is a mark indicating a right turn instruction.

[0017] (Detection unit 27) As shown in FIG. 3, the switch device 6 includes a detection unit 27 that detects operations on a pair of operation units 7. The detection unit 27 in this example has a first detection unit 27a that detects an operation of the first operation unit 7a in a first direction, and a second detection unit 27b that detects an operation of the second operation unit 7b in a second direction. The switch device 6 also has a third detection unit 27c that detects a pressing operation on the third operation unit 7c. The first detection unit 27a, the second detection unit 27b, and the third detection unit 27c are mounted, for example, on a substrate 28 disposed inside the spoke portion 4.

[0018] The first detection unit 27a is a switch whose on / off state is switched by a tip portion 29 extending from the connecting portion 12 of the first operation unit 7a. The second detection unit 27b is a switch whose on / off state is switched by a tip portion 30 extending from the connecting portion 18 of the second operation unit 7b. The third detection unit 27c is a switch whose on / off state is switched by a protrusion 31 formed on the back surface 10 of the third operation unit 7c. These switches are, for example, tact switches.

[0019] (Electrical Configuration of Switch Device 6) As shown in FIG. 4, the switch device 6 includes a control unit 33 that controls the operation of the switch device 6. The control unit 33 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor, memory, interface, etc. The microprocessor is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), ASIC (application-specific semiconductor), etc.

[0020] The control unit 33 receives a first detection signal Sa from the first detection unit 27a, a second detection signal Sb from the second detection unit 27b, and a third detection signal Sc from the third detection unit 27c. The control unit 33 also receives a sensor signal Sd from the electrostatic sensor 27d, which detects contact or proximity of a human body to the touch operation surface 23. Based on the first detection signal Sa, the second detection signal Sb, the third detection signal Sc, and the sensor signal Sd, the control unit 33 determines user operation on the switch device 6 and outputs the determination result as an operation signal Sk for the switch device 6 to another ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0021] (Effect of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the switch device 6 in this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the first operating unit 7a is operated by applying an operating load in the direction of pushing up the first operating unit 7a (direction of arrow B1 in Figure 5). Specifically, the fingers of the hand gripping the grip portion 3 are brought into contact with the first operating area portion 11 of the first operating unit 7a, and the fingers are operated in a way that pushes them up. As a result, the first operating unit 7a rotates around the shaft portion 13 in a direction that approaches the user gripping the grip portion 3 (counterclockwise direction on the paper: direction of arrow A1 in Figure 5). When the first operating unit 7a has rotated to the end of its path, the tip portion 29 of the first operating unit 7a turns on the first detection unit 27a.

[0022] When the first detection unit 27a is turned on by the tip 29 of the first operation unit 7a, it outputs an ON first detection signal Sa to the control unit 33. When the control unit 33 receives the ON first detection signal Sa from the first detection unit 27a, it determines that the first operation unit 7a has been operated. The control unit 33 then outputs the operation signal Sk, which indicates that the first detection unit 27a has been operated, to other ECUs that require the same signal.

[0023] As shown in Figure 6, the second operating section 7b is operated by applying an operating load in the direction of pushing the second operating section 7b down (direction of arrow B2 in Figure 6). Specifically, the fingers of the hand gripping the grip section 3 are brought into contact with the second operating area section 17 of the second operating section 7b, and the fingers are operated in a way that pushes them down. As a result, the second operating section 7b rotates around the shaft section 19 in a direction that approaches the user gripping the grip section 3 (clockwise direction on the paper: direction of arrow A2 in Figure 6). When the second operating section 7b has rotated to the end of its path, the tip section 30 of the second operating section 7b turns on the second detection section 27b.

[0024] When the second detection unit 27b is turned on by the tip 30 of the second operation unit 7b, it outputs an ON second detection signal Sb to the control unit 33. When the control unit 33 receives the ON second detection signal Sb from the second detection unit 27b, it determines that the second operation unit 7b has been operated. The control unit 33 then outputs the operation signal Sk, which indicates that the second detection unit 27b has been operated, to other ECUs that require the same signal.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7, the third operating part 7c is operated by applying an operating load that pushes it in. Specifically, the fingers of the hand gripping the grip part 3 are brought into contact with the pressing operating surface 22 of the third operating part 7c, and these fingers are operated in a direction that pushes inward (direction of arrow B3 in Figure 7). This causes the third operating part 7c to slide inward. When the third operating part 7c slides to the end of its path, the projection 31 of the third operating part 7c turns on the third detection unit 27c.

[0026] When the third detection unit 27c is turned on by the projection 31 of the third operation unit 7c, it outputs an ON third detection signal Sc to the control unit 33. When the control unit 33 receives the ON third detection signal Sc from the third detection unit 27c, it determines that the third operation unit 7c has been operated. The control unit 33 then outputs the operation signal Sk, which indicates that the third detection unit 27c has been operated, to other ECUs that require the same signal.

[0027] Incidentally, in conventional designs, lever combination switches are located around the steering wheel 1 to control the turn signals, wiper system, and light system. A lever combination switch is a large switch equipped with a long lever. Therefore, if a lever combination switch is located near the steering wheel 1, large components will be placed around the steering wheel 1, hindering space saving around the steering wheel 1.

[0028] On the other hand, in this example, the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b for operating the turn signals and wiper device are provided on the spokes 4 of the steering wheel 1. As a result, it is possible to omit the lever combination switch from around the steering wheel 1. Thus, it is possible to save space around the steering wheel 1. In this way, by organizing the functions around the steering wheel 1, it is possible to simplify the area around the steering wheel 1.

[0029] Furthermore, the first operating section 7a is an upward-pushing switch, and the second operating section 7b is a downward-pushing switch. Therefore, the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b provide the same feel as a lever combination switch. This makes it possible to bring the operability of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b closer to that of a lever combination switch. Thus, even if a lever combination switch is replaced with the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b, it is unlikely to cause any discomfort during operation.

[0030] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The switch device 6 is provided on the steering wheel 1 which has spokes 4 that extend in the left-right direction when in the neutral position. The switch device 6 is provided with a pair of operating parts 7 which are positioned opposite each other on the spokes 4 and whose operation is detected by a detection part 27 provided on the spokes 4. The pair of operating parts 7 includes a first operating part 7a which is operated in a first direction (direction of arrow A1 shown in Figure 3, etc.) that intersects with the direction in which the spokes 4 extend, and a second operating part 7b which is operated in a second direction (direction of arrow A2 shown in Figure 3, etc.) opposite to the first direction.

[0031] According to this configuration, an operating unit 7 is provided on the spoke portion 4 of the steering wheel 1, and the switching function of the lever combination switch is assigned to this operating unit 7, eliminating the need to arrange the lever combination switch around the steering wheel 1. In this way, the lever combination switch, which is a large device, can be omitted from around the steering wheel 1. Therefore, the configuration around the steering wheel 1 can be simplified.

[0032] (2) The first operating section 7a has a first body section 9 positioned opposite the upper surface 8 of the spoke section 4 when it is in the neutral position, and a first operating area section 11 positioned opposite the back surface 10 of the spoke section 4 as the part to which the operating load is applied. The second operating section 7b has a second body section 16 positioned opposite the lower surface 15 of the spoke section 4 when it is in the neutral position, and a second operating area section 17 positioned opposite the back surface 10 of the spoke section 4 as the part to which the operating load is applied. With this configuration, it is easy to apply force with your fingers when operating the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b, so the operability of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b is good.

[0033] (3) The first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b are rotary type and are rotated around the axes of the shafts 13 and 19 that are aligned with the direction in which the spoke section 4 extends. With this configuration, the structure of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b can be made into a simple rotary structure.

[0034] (4) At least one of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b has a design section 25 indicating its purpose. With this configuration, the switch function assigned to the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b can be immediately identified by the design section 25, so that the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b can be operated smoothly.

[0035] (5) The first control unit 7a and the second control unit 7b control the same device. With this configuration, various settings related to the operation of the device can be made using the first control unit 7a and the second control unit 7b.

[0036] (6) The switch device 6 includes a third operating section 7c positioned on the front surface 21 of the spoke section 4 so as to be located between the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b. With this configuration, the spoke section 4 is provided not only with the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b, but also with the third operating section 7c. Therefore, it is possible to further consolidate the switches around the steering wheel 1, which further contributes to simplifying the structure around the steering wheel 1.

[0037] (7) The pair of operating units 7 are for operating the turn signals, which indicate the direction of travel of the vehicle with lights. The first operating unit 7a is positioned above the second operating unit 7b in the spoke 4 when it is in the neutral position. The first operating unit 7a is for operating the left turn signal. The second operating unit 7b is for operating the right turn signal. With this configuration, the operation of the first operating unit 7a and the second operating unit 7b is the same as the conventional operation, in which the lever combination switch is operated upward when turning left or changing lanes to the left, and the lever combination switch is operated downward when turning right or changing lanes to the right. Therefore, in the case of the switch device 6 in this example, the turn signals can be operated with the same feel as in the conventional method.

[0038] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0039] • At least one of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b may be a multi-stage type having multiple operating positions, for example, by detecting multiple positions in the operating direction by the detection unit 27.

[0040] The electrostatic sensor 27d may, for example, simply detect whether or not a human body is in contact with or approaching the touch surface 23, or it may detect an operation in which a finger or the like is traced over the touch surface 23.

[0041] The touch operation surface 23 is preferably used, for example, when operating a display unit located inside the vehicle. Examples of display units include the display of a car navigation system or a multi-information display. In this case, when the touch operation surface 23 is operated by tracing with a finger or the like, the selected position on the display or the screen of the display changes.

[0042] The return of the momentary first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b to their initial positions may be configured to utilize the elastic force of the tact switch, or it may be configured to utilize a biasing force such as a separately provided spring.

[0043] The first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b are not limited to rotary operation; for example, they may be slide operation. In this case, it is preferable that the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b are located on the back surface 10 and the front surface 21 of the spoke section 4.

[0044] In the case of a slide-operated type, one of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b may be located on the upper surface 8 of the spoke section 4, and the other on the lower surface 15 of the spoke section 4. The first operating section 7a is not limited to having a shape that includes a first body section 9 and a first operating area section 11; it may have any shape that allows for a push operation. The same applies to the second operating section 7b.

[0045] The set of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b is not limited to being provided on both the left and right spoke sections 4, but may also be provided on only one of the spoke sections 4. Multiple sets of the first operating section 7a and the second operating section 7b may be arranged on one side of the pair of left and right spoke sections 4.

[0046] The design portion 25 may be illuminated by illumination light from a light source. The design element 25 may be configured to allow the display to be switched between various patterns. The design element 25 may be omitted from the switch device 6.

[0047] The third operating section 7c may be a component that only allows for press operation, as the touch operation function is omitted. The third operating section 7c is not limited to a press-operated type; it may also be a slide-operated or touch-operated type.

[0048] The first operating section 7a, the second operating section 7b, and the third operating section 7c are not limited to momentary operation, but may also be alternate operation. The shape of the grip portion 3 is not limited to annular; it may be changed to other shapes, such as a shape in which L-shaped members are symmetrically arranged.

[0049] • In the case of a switch, the detection unit 27 may be a tactile switch or other type of switch. Also, the detection unit 27 may be a sensor instead of a switch. The statement that the spoke portion 4 extends along the left-right direction in the neutral position is not limited to a state in which it extends completely along the horizontal direction in the neutral position, but also includes a state in which it is inclined by a predetermined amount with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0050] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalence. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or less of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Steering wheel, 4...Spoke section, 6...Switch device, 7...Operating section, 7a...First operating section, 7b...Second operating section, 7c...Third operating section, 8...Top view, 9...First body section, 10...Rear view, 11...First operating area section, 13...Shaft section, 15...Bottom view, 16...Second body section, 17...Second operating area section, 19...Shaft section, 21...Front view, 25...Design section, 27...Detection section.

Claims

1. A switch device provided on a steering wheel having spokes that extend in the left-right direction when in the neutral position, The spoke portion is provided with a pair of operating parts that are positioned opposite each other and whose operation is detected by a detection unit provided on the spoke portion. A switch device comprising a pair of operating parts, the first operating part being operated in a first direction intersecting the direction in which the spokes extend, and the second operating part being operated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The first operating section comprises a first body section positioned opposite the upper surface of the spoke section when it is in the neutral position, and a first operating area section positioned opposite the back surface of the spoke section as the part to which the operating load is applied. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the second operating section comprises a second body section positioned opposite to the lower surface of the spoke section when it is in the neutral position, and a second operating area section positioned opposite to the back surface of the spoke section as the part to which an operating load is applied.

3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the first operating part and the second operating part are rotary type and are rotated around the axis of the shaft part along the direction in which the spoke part extends.

4. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first operating section and the second operating section has a design section indicating its application.

5. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the target of operation of the first operation unit and the second operation unit is the same device.

6. The switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a third operating section positioned in front of the spoke portion so as to be located between the first operating section and the second operating section.

7. The pair of operating units are for operating the turn signals, which indicate the direction of travel of the vehicle to the surroundings with lights. The first operating section is positioned above the second operating section in the spoke section when it is in the neutral position. The first operating unit is for instructing a left turn, The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the second operating unit is for right-turn instruction operation.

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