Switching device

Abstract

To solve a problem in which there is a risk of incorrect input in a switch device that can be operated in multiple directions.SOLUTION: A switch device 100 includes an operation knob supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable around a central axis along the predetermined direction, a regulating portion that regulates rotation of the operation knob when the operation knob is slid, and a rotating shaft member extending along the central axis, and the operation knob is supported by the rotating shaft member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Switch devices that can be operated in multiple directions are known.

[0003] An example of a document that describes the above-described switch device is Patent Document 1. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a steering switch having a plate-shaped operating piece that is operated by the thumb. According to Patent Document 1, the operating piece is supported so as to be slidable and swingable relative to a support member that supports the operating piece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-214750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform a sliding operation and a swinging operation simultaneously. As a result, for example, when operating a switch device, it may be operated in both an intended and an unintended direction at the same time, which may result in an erroneous input that is not the intended input. Thus, there is a problem that an erroneous input may occur in a switch device that can be operated in multiple directions.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem that there is a risk of erroneous input in a switch device that can be operated in multiple directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an operation knob supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable about a central axis extending along the predetermined direction; a restricting portion that restricts rotation of the operation knob when the operation knob is slid; a rotating shaft member extending along the central axis, The operation knob is supported by the rotary shaft member. The structure is as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the above-described configuration, the present invention can provide a switch device that can be operated in multiple directions and that can reduce the risk of erroneous input. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a switch device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of a switch device. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch device shown in FIG. 2 taken along line IVIV. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration below the surface of an operation knob 120 when the switch device shown in FIG. 2 is viewed from the V direction. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the restricting portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment 1> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a switch device 100 capable of inputting operations in three directions will be described. For example, the switch device 100 is installed in a center console or handlebar of an automobile or motorcycle. As an example, the switch device 100 can be used for shift operations, turn signal operations, and other arbitrary operation inputs. As described below, in the case of the switch device 100 described in this embodiment, an operation knob 120 for operation input is supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable about a central axis along the predetermined direction. The switch device 100 also has a restricting unit that restricts rotation of the operation knob 120 when the operation knob 120 slides. With the above configuration, the switch device 100 allows operation input in three directions by sliding and rotating the operation knob 120 while preventing simultaneous operation in multiple directions. Details of the restricting unit will be described later.

[0011] In this embodiment, the side of the switch device 100 where the cover unit 110 is present is defined as the upper side, and the side where the operation knob 120 is present is defined as the lower side. In other words, the cover unit 110 is described as covering the upper side of the operation knob 120. However, the switch device 100 does not necessarily have to be installed so that the cover unit 110 is present on the upper side. The switch device 100 may be installed in a vehicle or the like in any orientation.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the switch device 100. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the switch device 100, and Fig. 3 is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the switch device 100. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the switch device 100 when cut along line IVIV in Fig. 2. Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, for example, the switch device 100 includes a cover portion 110, an operation knob 120, a rotating shaft member 130, a rotating shaft member 140, and three switching members (switching members 210, 220, and 230).

[0013] 1 to 3, the cover part 110 is a member having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the central part of the cover part 110 is curved upward to form a shallow, substantially U-shape at the same angle as the operation knob 120 when viewed from the front so as not to come into contact with the operation knob 120 (the angle of the curve may be arbitrary).

[0014] In the present embodiment, the cover 110 is installed by any means so as to cover the upper side of the operation knob 120. For example, the cover 110 may be installed in a housing (not shown) that covers the lower side of the switch device 100. The cover 110 may be made of any material, such as resin.

[0015] An opening 111 is formed in the center of the cover 110 in plan view, penetrating the cover 110 in the thickness direction. For example, the opening 111 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The shape of the opening 111 may be other than that shown in the example.

[0016] The operation knob 120 is supported by the rotary shaft members 130 and 140 so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable about a central axis along the predetermined direction. The operation knob 120 is restricted by a restricting unit (described later) so that it cannot rotate when slid. The operation knob 120 has the same shape as the cover unit 110 in a plan view. When viewed from the front, the central portion of the operation knob 120 is curved upward at the same angle as the cover unit 110 to form a shallow, approximately U-shape. Like the cover unit 110, the operation knob 120 may be formed from any material, such as resin.

[0017] An operation piece 121 is formed integrally with the operation knob 120 at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the operation knob 120. In other words, the operation knob 120 includes the operation piece 121. As an example, when the operation knob 120 is not slid, the operation piece 121 is formed on the upper surface of the operation knob 120 at a position that corresponds to the vicinity of the center of the opening 111 when the cover unit 110 covers the top of the operation knob 120. The operation piece 121 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that passes through the opening 111 formed in the cover unit 110. A user operating the switch device 100 can slide or rotate the operation knob 120 using the operation piece 121. The shape of the operation piece 121 may be other than that exemplified in FIG. 1 , etc.

[0018] Furthermore, at predetermined locations on the lower surface of the operation knob 120, the holding piece 122 and the holding piece 123 are formed integrally with the operation knob 120, for example. That is, the operation knob 120 includes the holding piece 122 and the holding piece 123. As an example, when the operation knob 120 is not slid, the holding piece 122 is formed on the lower surface of the operation knob 120 at a position corresponding to the vicinity of one end of the opening 111 in the longitudinal direction when the cover part 110 covers the top of the operation knob 120, and the holding piece 123 is formed at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the other end of the opening 111 in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] For example, the holding piece 122 is a plate-like member that extends downward from the lower surface of the operation knob 120. A pivot support piece 131, which will be described later, is inserted into a predetermined location of the holding piece 122 in the sliding movement direction. As will be described later, by inserting the pivot support piece 131, which will be described later, into the holding piece 122, the holding piece 122 is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft member 130 so as to be able to slide and rotate about a central axis that is aligned with the sliding movement direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the holding piece 123 is a plate-like member extending from the lower surface of the operation knob 120. As in the case of the holding piece 122, a pivot support piece 141 (described later) is inserted into a predetermined position of the holding piece 123 in the sliding movement direction. As will be described later, by inserting the pivot support piece 141 (described later) into the holding piece 123, the holding piece 123 is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft member 140 so as to be able to slide and rotate about a central axis along the sliding movement direction. The shape of the holding piece 123 may be the same as or different from that of the holding piece 122.

[0021] Furthermore, a protruding piece 124 (first portion) that functions as part of the restricting portion is formed integrally with the operation knob 120 at a predetermined location on the lower surface of the operation knob 120. That is, the operation knob 120 includes the operation piece 124 that functions as the first portion of the restricting portion. In other words, the protruding piece 124 that is formed integrally with the operation knob 120 is provided at a predetermined location on the lower surface of the operation knob 120 so as to rotate together with the operation knob 120 when the operation knob 120 is rotated. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the protruding piece 124 is formed closer to the longitudinal end of the operation knob 120, which is the sliding direction, than the holding piece 123. A through-hole 1241 that penetrates the protruding piece 124 in the sliding direction is formed in the protruding piece 124, and by sliding the operation knob 120, a restricting protrusion 142 formed on the rotating shaft member 140, which will be described later, fits into the protruding piece 124. As a result, when an attempt is made to rotate the operation knob 120 while it is slid, the fitted restricting protrusion 142 and protruding piece 124 come into contact in the rotational direction, making it impossible to rotate the operation knob 120 while it is slid.

[0022] 4 illustrates an example in which protruding piece 124 is formed at a position corresponding to holding piece 123. However, protruding piece 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to holding piece 122 instead of at a position corresponding to holding piece 123. Alternatively, protruding piece 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to holding piece 122 as well as at a position corresponding to holding piece 123.

[0023] Furthermore, a tapered portion 125 that gradually approaches the operation knob 120 in the sliding movement direction is formed at a predetermined location on the lower surface of the operation knob 120. That is, the operation knob 120 includes the tapered portion 125. In other words, the tapered portion 125 is a portion that extends downward as it approaches the longitudinal end of the operation knob 120. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the tapered portion 125 is formed on the operation knob 120 closer to the longitudinal end in the sliding movement direction than the protruding piece 124.

[0024] In this embodiment, the angle and position of the inclined surface of the tapered portion 125 are adjusted so that the tapered portion 125 always abuts against the switching member 210 regardless of whether the operation knob 120 is sliding or rotating. The constant abutment between the tapered portion 125 and the switching member 210 can suppress rattle of the operation knob 120. The tapered portion 125 and the switching member 210 are also installed so that they can slide when the operation knob 120 slides. That is, when the operation knob 120 slides, the tapered portion 125 slides smoothly while maintaining abutment with the switching member 210. For example, when the operation knob 120 slides, the switching member 210 is pressed by the tapered portion 125, which has a shape that gradually approaches the operation knob 120, and electrical continuity is established in an electrically conductive portion mounted on a circuit board (not shown) or the like.

[0025] The sliding surface 1251 formed below the tapered portion 125 may be a curved surface that curves at a predetermined angle. In other words, the sliding surface 1251 of the tapered portion 125 that contacts the switching member 210 may be a curved surface in which a cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tapered portion 125 and the switching member 210 is curved. By forming the sliding surface 1251 as the curved surface, the tapered portion 125 can be kept in reliable contact with the switching member 210 even when the operation knob 120 is rotated. In other words, the tapered portion 125 can have the sliding surface 1251 that is a curved surface that curves at an angle according to the rotation of the operation knob 120 so that contact with the switching member 210 can be maintained when the operation knob 120 is rotated.

[0026] The rotating shaft member 130 supports the operation knob 120 using a holding piece 122 so that the rotating shaft member 130 can slide and rotate about a central axis along the sliding direction. The rotating shaft member 130 may be installed below the operation knob 120 by any means, such as by being installed in a housing (not shown).

[0027] 4, for example, a pivotal support piece 131, which is a portion extending along the central axis, is formed at a predetermined position on the rotating shaft member 130, and the holding piece 122 is inserted into the pivotal support piece 131, thereby pivotally supporting the operation knob 120 on the rotating shaft member 130. According to the above configuration, the holding piece 122 slides relative to the pivotal support piece 131 in the sliding movement direction, causing the operation knob 120 to slide. Furthermore, the holding piece 122 rotates around the pivotal support piece 131, causing the operation knob 120 to rotate. In this way, the pivotal support piece 131 functions as both a rotation axis and a sliding axis. In other words, the rotating shaft member 130 has the pivotal support piece 131 that serves as both a rotation axis and a sliding axis.

[0028] The rotating shaft member 140 supports the operation knob 120 using a holding piece 123 so that the rotating shaft member 140 can slide and rotate about a central axis along the sliding direction. The rotating shaft member 140 may be installed below the operation knob 120 by any means, such as by being installed in a housing (not shown).

[0029] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the rotating shaft member 140 has a pivotal support piece 141, which is a portion extending along the central axis, formed at a position corresponding to the pivotal support piece 131 described above. The pivotal support piece 141 has the retaining piece 123 inserted therethrough, thereby pivotally supporting the operation knob 120 on the rotating shaft member 140. According to the above configuration, the retaining piece 123 slides relative to the pivotal support piece 141 in the sliding movement direction, causing the operation knob 120 to slide. Furthermore, the operation knob 120 rotates as the retaining piece 123 rotates around the pivotal support piece 141. In this way, the pivotal support piece 141 functions as both a rotation axis and a sliding axis. In other words, the rotating shaft member 140 has the pivotal support piece 141 that serves as both a rotation axis and a sliding axis.

[0030] 5, which illustrates the configuration below the surface of the operation knob 120 from the V direction in FIG. 1, the rotation shaft member 140 has a restricting protrusion 142 (second portion) that is a protrusion that functions as part of a restricting portion, formed on the side opposite to the side on which the pivot support piece 141 is formed in the sliding movement direction. As described above, the restricting protrusion 142 fits into the protruding piece 124 when the operation knob 120 is slid. As a result, the restricting protrusion 142, which is the second portion, restricts the rotation of the protruding piece 124, which is the first portion, when the operation knob 120 is slid.

[0031] Note that, because the restricting protrusion 142 is formed on the rotating shaft member 140, it does not rotate with the operation knob 120 even when the operation knob 120 is rotated. Therefore, for example, when the operation knob 120 is rotated, the positional relationship between the protrusion 124, which rotates with the operation knob 120, and the restricting protrusion 142, which does not rotate with the operation knob 120, becomes misaligned (i.e., they cannot be fitted together). As a result, when the operation knob 120 is rotated, it is not possible to slide the operation knob 120. Therefore, it can be said that the restricting portion consisting of the first portion and the second portion restricts the sliding movement of the operation knob 120 when the operation knob 120 is rotated.

[0032] As described above, the protruding piece 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to the holding piece 122. When the protruding piece 124 is formed at a position corresponding to the holding piece 122, the restricting protrusion may be formed on the rotating shaft member 130 instead of the rotating shaft member 140.

[0033] The switching member 210 is always in contact with the tapered portion 125, and is pressed against the tapered portion 125 when the operation knob 120 is slid, thereby establishing electrical continuity. The switching members 220 and 230 are also configured to be pressed when the operation knob 120 is rotated, thereby establishing electrical continuity. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 3, the switching member 220 is pressed when the operation knob 120 is rotated counterclockwise, and the switching member 230 is pressed when the operation knob 120 is rotated clockwise. The switching members 210, 220, and 230 may be installed below the operation knob 120 by any means, such as by being installed in a housing (not shown).

[0034] The above is an example of the configuration of the switch device 100.

[0035] In this way, the pivot support pieces 131 and 141 of the switch device 100 function as both a rotation axis and a slide axis. By configuring them to function as both a rotation axis and a slide axis in this way, it becomes unnecessary to set a movement restriction section for each component, and it is possible to improve ease of design, etc.

[0036] The switch device 100 also has a restricting unit that restricts simultaneous sliding and rotation operations. This configuration enables operation input in three directions while preventing erroneous inputs due to simultaneous operation inputs in multiple directions.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the through-hole 1241 is formed in the protruding piece 124. However, the through-hole 1241 of the protruding piece 124 does not necessarily have to go all the way through as long as it is recessed. Also, in the present embodiment, the case where the rotating shaft member 140 has the restricting protrusion 142 and the protruding piece 124 is recessed, for example, having the through-hole 1241, has been exemplified. However, the recess and protrusion may be reversed as long as they can fit together when the operation knob 120 is slid. In other words, the protruding piece 124 may have a protrusion that protrudes in the sliding movement direction, and the rotating shaft member 140 may have a recess that is recessed in the sliding movement direction.

[0038] Furthermore, together with or instead of the restricting portion described in this embodiment, the cover portion 110 may be configured to function as a restricting portion. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the cover portion 110 functions as a restricting portion. In the case shown in FIG. 6, the opening 111 is open in three directions, and when an attempt is made to rotate the operation knob 120 after the operation knob 120 has been slid, that is, when the operation piece 121 has been slid, the operation piece 121 abuts against the cover portion 110. In this way, the opening 111 is formed so that the operation piece 121 and the cover portion 110 abut against each other when an attempt is made to operate the operation knob 120 in a predetermined direction in a predetermined state, thereby allowing the cover portion 110 to function as a restricting portion.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the switch device 100 capable of operation input in three directions has been described. However, the switch device 100 may be configured to allow operation input in four directions. For example, the switch device 100 may be configured to allow operation input in four directions by having a second tapered portion on the other end side of the operation knob 120 in the longitudinal direction and installing a new switching member at a position where it can be pressed by the second tapered portion.

[0040] <Additional Notes> A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: The configuration of the switch device according to the present invention will be outlined below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following configuration.

[0041] (Appendix 1) an operation knob supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable about a central axis extending along the predetermined direction; a restricting portion that restricts rotation of the operation knob when the operation knob is slid; a rotating shaft member extending along the central axis, The operation knob is supported by the rotary shaft member. Switch device. (Appendix 2) 2. The switch device of claim 1, The restricting portion includes a first portion that rotates together with the operation knob when the operation knob is rotated, and a second portion that restricts the rotation of the first portion when the operation knob is slid. Switch device. (Appendix 3) 3. The switch device according to claim 2, The restricting portion restricts rotation of the operation knob by fitting the first portion and the second portion together when the operation knob is slid. Switch device. (Appendix 4) 3. The switch device according to claim 2, The first portion is a portion of the operation knob that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotary shaft member. Switch device. (Appendix 5) 4. The switch device according to claim 3, The first portion is a portion of the operation knob that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotary shaft member. Switch device. (Appendix 6) 6. A switch device according to claim 4 or 5, the second portion is a protrusion or recess that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotating shaft member, the first portion is a recess or a protrusion corresponding to a protrusion or a recess forming the second portion, When the operation knob is slid, the first portion, which is a recess or a protrusion, and the second portion, which is a protrusion or a recess, fit together to restrict the rotation of the operation knob. Switch device. (Appendix 7) 2. The switch device of claim 1, the operation knob has a tapered portion that gradually approaches the operation knob in a predetermined direction, A switching member that is pressed by the tapered portion when the operation knob slides is in contact with the tapered portion, and generates electrical conduction. Switch device. (Appendix 8) 8. The switching device of claim 7, the tapered portion and the switching member are slidable when the operation knob slides, The sliding surface of the tapered portion with the switching member is a curved surface in which a cut surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tapered portion and the switching member is curved. Switch device.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 100 Switching Device 110 Cover part 111 Opening 120 Operation Knob 121 Operation piece 122 Holding piece 123 Holding piece 124 Projecting piece 1241 Through hole 125 Tapered section 1251 sliding surface 130 Rotating shaft member 131 Shaft support piece 140 Rotating shaft member 141 Shaft support piece 142 Regulating convex part 210 Switching member 220 Switching member 230 Switching member

Claims

1. an operation knob supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and rotatable about a central axis extending along the predetermined direction; a restricting portion that restricts rotation of the operation knob when the operation knob is slid; a rotating shaft member extending along the central axis, The operation knob is supported by the rotary shaft member, the operation knob has a tapered portion that gradually approaches the operation knob in a predetermined direction, A switching member that is pressed by the tapered portion when the operation knob slides is in contact with the tapered portion, and generates electrical conduction. Switch device.

2. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, The restricting portion includes a first portion that rotates together with the operation knob when the operation knob is rotated, and a second portion that restricts the rotation of the first portion when the operation knob is slid. Switch device.

3. 3. The switch device according to claim 2, The restricting portion restricts rotation of the operation knob by fitting the first portion and the second portion together when the operation knob is slid. Switch device.

4. 3. The switch device according to claim 2, The first portion is a portion of the operation knob that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotary shaft member. Switch device.

5. 4. The switch device according to claim 3, The first portion is a portion of the operation knob that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotary shaft member. Switch device.

6. The switch device according to claim 4 or 5, the second portion is a convex portion or a concave portion that protrudes or recesses along the direction of the rotating shaft member, the first portion is a recess or a protrusion corresponding to a protrusion or a recess forming the second portion, When the operation knob is slid, the first portion, which is a recess or a protrusion, and the second portion, which is a protrusion or a recess, fit together to restrict rotation of the operation knob. Switch device.

7. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, the tapered portion and the switching member are slidable when the operation knob slides, The sliding surface of the tapered portion with the switching member is a curved surface in which a cut surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tapered portion and the switching member is curved. Switch device.

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