Multi directional switch

Abstract

An invention regarding a multi-directional switch device is disclosed. The disclosed multi-directional switch device is characterized by comprising: a circuit board having a lighting member mounted at a set position or having each of the lighting members mounted at each set position; an operating button disposed on one side of the circuit board and configured to enable multi-directional pressing operation, which guides the emission of light from the corresponding lighting member to the outside through a symbol hole corresponding one-to-one with the lighting member; a transparent lens disposed on the lighting member to correspond to a plurality of symbol holes, which is relatively closer to the symbol hole in the downwardly inclined area of ​​the operating button, and made of a transparent material; and a hinge portion that hinge-connects the operating button, which is subjected to multi-directional pressing operation, to the transparent lens fixed in position.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-directional switch device, and more specifically, to a multi-directional switch device that enables multi-directional pressing of an operation button through a hinge part, thereby allowing operation of multiple devices with a single switch, thus reducing the number of individual switches to increase space utilization and operability, and to reduce the number of switch parts and improve the design freedom of the lighting module by integrally manufacturing a transparent lens that transmits light from a lighting member and a configuration for connecting the hinge on the operation button side. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, such as automobiles, are required to function as various convenience features that go beyond their role as a means of transportation to provide users with a more stable and comfortable driving experience. Accordingly, vehicles are equipped with various convenience facilities and switches for operating and controlling them.

[0003] Typically, when operation in opposing directions is required, such as in the opening and closing of a vehicle window, a seesaw switch device or a sliding switch device is used so that the vertical movement of the window corresponds to the operation of the front and rear ends, and when selecting each operation mode, a rotary switch device capable of selecting multiple modes is used.

[0004] These switch devices are generally configured such that a PCB board is mounted inside a housing, an operating knob operated by a user is mounted on one side of the housing, and a contact switch mounted on the PCB board is activated in response to the user's operation of the operating knob, thereby generating an electrical signal from the PCB board.

[0005] Switch devices configured in this manner are typically set up so that a single switch unit performs a single function; for example, a window opening / closing switch unit generates a signal to open or close a single window, and a vehicle audio system control switch is configured such that one switch unit for volume control and another switch unit for track changing are separately arranged.

[0006] Therefore, numerous switch devices are installed in the vehicle interior to control various electronic equipment, and recently, due to the increase in various convenience features, the number of such switch devices is on the rise.

[0007] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in the 'Vehicle Switch Device' of Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0468484.

[0008] The technical configuration described above is provided as background technology to aid in understanding the present invention and does not constitute prior art widely known in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The problem to be solved

[0009] If the number of switch devices increases within the existing vehicle interior, the interior configuration becomes complex. Furthermore, as the driver must operate various switch devices while driving, not only is the operation method not easy, but it also causes serious impediments to safe driving, among other problems.

[0010] Therefore, multi-directional switch devices are being applied to vehicles recently; however, in this case, there are problems such as reduced assembly efficiency and operational failures caused by the increased internal components of the multi-directional switch device.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve this.

[0012] The present invention was devised to improve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a multi-directional switch device that enables multi-directional pressing of an operating button through a hinge part, thereby allowing multiple devices to be operated with a single switch, and thus increasing space utilization and operability by reducing the number of individual switches.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a multi-directional switch device that reduces the number of switch parts and improves the design freedom of the lighting module by integrally manufacturing a transparent lens that transmits light from a lighting member and a configuration for hinge connection on the operation button side. means of solving the problem

[0014] A multi-directional switch device according to the present invention comprises: a circuit board having a lighting member mounted at a set position or having each of the lighting members mounted at each set position; an operating button disposed on one side of the circuit board and configured to enable multi-directional pressing operation, guiding the emission of light from the corresponding lighting member outward through a symbol hole corresponding one-to-one with the lighting member; a transparent lens disposed on the lighting member to correspond to a plurality of the symbol holes, being relatively closer to the symbol hole in the downwardly inclined area of ​​the operating button, and made of a transparent material; and a hinge portion hinge-connecting the operating button, which is subjected to multi-directional pressing operation, to the fixed-position transparent lens.

[0015] The multi-directional switch device according to the present invention comprises: a lower case that houses or supports the circuit board; an upper case that is fixedly connected to the lower case while covering one open side of the lower case and fixing the position of the transparent lens; a plurality of plungers provided in the upper case so as to be lowered in conjunction with the downward portion of the operation button, which is hinge-connected to the hinge portion and capable of multi-directional pressing operation; and a contact pressure sensor provided in the circuit board to correspond one-to-one with the plungers, which generates a signal so that the corresponding lighting member emits light when in contact with the corresponding plunger.

[0016] A multi-directional switch device according to the present invention comprises: a housing that accommodates the assembled lower case and the upper case.

[0017] The transparent lens comprises: a main lens that contacts or is in close proximity to the corresponding lighting member and guides the transmission of the light emitted by the corresponding lighting member; and a plurality of sub-lenses branching from the main lens to correspond one-to-one with the symbol hole.

[0018] The hinge portion comprises: hinge protrusions provided on both sides of the transparent lens; hinge pieces provided on the operating button to correspond to each of the hinge protrusions; and hinge holes formed on each of the hinge pieces to accommodate the corresponding hinge protrusions in order to guide multi-directional pressing operations of the operating button by a pair of the hinge protrusions.

[0019] The above hinge projection is characterized by being integrally provided with the above transparent lens. Effects of the invention

[0020] As explained above, unlike the prior art, the multi-directional switch device according to the present invention enables multi-directional pressing of the operating button through the hinge part, allowing multiple devices to be operated with a single switch, thereby reducing the number of individual switches and increasing space utilization and operability.

[0021] The present invention can reduce the number of switch parts and improve the design freedom of the lighting module by integrally manufacturing a transparent lens that transmits light from a lighting member and a configuration for hinge connection on the operation button side. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of Figure 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a multi-directional switch device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a multi-directional switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of a multi-directional switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a multi-directional switch device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit board (110), an operating button (120), a transparent lens (130), a hinge part (140), a lower case (150), an upper case (160), a contact pressure sensor (180), and a housing (192).

[0027] The circuit board (110) mounts a lighting member (112) at a set position, or mounts a lighting member (112) at each of a plurality of set positions.

[0028] At this time, when the circuit board (110) has lighting members (112) mounted at different locations, the corresponding lighting members (112) are controlled to emit light according to an external signal.

[0029] The lighting element (112) can be applied in various ways, such as LED elements.

[0030] And, the operation button (120) is positioned on one side (upper side when viewed in the drawing) of the circuit board (110) and is configured to enable multi-directional pressing operation, such as in four directions, and forms a symbol hole (122) that corresponds one-to-one with the lighting member (112). At this time, the symbol hole (122) is formed to prevent the passage or inflow of foreign substances and to allow light to pass through.

[0031] So, when an external force is applied that presses one edge of the operation button (120), the operation button (120) tilts, and as it tilts, the lighting member (112) corresponding to the symbol hole (122) in a downward state is controlled to emit light.

[0032] Accordingly, the light emitted by the corresponding lighting element (112) is emitted to the outside of the operation button (120), so that the user can easily visually check the position and state of the operation button (120) being pressed. Of course, the operation button (120) can be applied in various shapes.

[0033] A transparent lens (130) is placed on a lighting member (112) to correspond to a plurality of symbol holes (122).

[0034] At this time, the lighting member (112) according to the present invention is formed in a number smaller than the number of symbol holes (122), and the transparent lens (130) is provided in a number corresponding to one-to-one with the lighting member (112).

[0035] Accordingly, one transparent lens (130) is formed to correspond to a plurality of symbol holes (122).

[0036] In this case, the transparent lens (130) formed to correspond to the multiple symbol holes (122) is moved relatively closer to the symbol hole (122) in the downwardly tilted area of ​​the operation button (120) by the pressing action, and conversely, is moved relatively further away from the symbol hole (122) in the upwardly tilted area of ​​the operation button (120).

[0037] Therefore, the light passing through the transparent lens (130) is emitted with a relatively high intensity through the relatively closer symbol hole (122).

[0038] To this end, the transparent lens (130) is made of a transparent material.

[0039] Of course, the transparent lens (130) can be formed in various shapes and is fixedly positioned on at least one of the lower case (150), the upper case (160), and the circuit board (110).

[0040] In addition, the hinge portion (140) supports a multi-directional pressing operation button (120) by hinge connecting it to a fixed transparent lens (130), thereby enabling the operation button (120) to rotate in multiple directions relative to the hinge portion (140).

[0041] In addition, the lower case (150) accommodates or supports the circuit board (110). The circuit board (110) is fixed to the lower case (150) by means of bolting, etc. Of course, the lower case (150) can be made of various shapes and various insulating materials.

[0042] And, the upper case (160) is fixedly connected to the lower case (150) while covering one open side of the lower case (150), and the transparent lens (130) is fixed in position. At this time, the upper case (160) can be formed in various ways to secure the transparent lens (130). Of course, the upper case (160) can be applied in various shapes and various insulating materials.

[0043] The upper case (160) may have a knob (162) formed protruding from the lower side of the area that is lowered by external pressing. Thus, the knob (162) located in the lowered area of ​​the operation button (120) can press and make contact with the corresponding contact pressure sensor (180).

[0044] Of course, the control button (120) and the knob (162) may be provided to be raised back to their original position by an elastic restoring force acting by a spring (not shown), etc., when the external pressing force is removed.

[0045] The knob (162) can be transformed into various shapes.

[0046] In addition, the contact pressure sensor (180) is mounted on the circuit board (110) or provided on the lighting member (112) in a one-to-one correspondence with the knob (162), and generates a signal so that the corresponding lighting member (112) emits light when in contact with the downward-moving knob (162).

[0047] Also, the housing (192) serves to accommodate and protect the assembled lower case (150) and upper case (160). The housing (192) can be made of various shapes and various insulating materials.

[0048] In particular, the bezel (not shown) is formed in a frame shape and can wrap around and protect the perimeter of the control button (120).

[0049] Meanwhile, the transparent lens (130) includes a main lens (132) and a sub-lens (134).

[0050] The main lens (132) is in one-to-one contact with or close to the corresponding lighting member (112) to guide the transmission of the light emitted by the corresponding lighting member (112). The main lens (132) can be applied in various shapes.

[0051] At this time, the main lens (132) can be fixedly connected to at least one of the lower case (150), the upper case (160), and the circuit board (110).

[0052] And, the sub-lens (134) is branched from the main lens (132) and formed into multiple strands so as to correspond one-to-one with the number of symbol holes (122) greater than the number of lighting elements (112).

[0053] The sub-lens (134) can be formed in various shapes.

[0054] In particular, the sub-lens (134) forms a flat portion (135) to ensure stable light transmission toward the corresponding symbol hole (122).

[0055] Meanwhile, the hinge portion (140) includes a hinge projection (142), a hinge piece (144), and a hinge hole portion (146).

[0056] A hinge projection (142) is formed protruding from each side of the transparent lens (130), particularly on the corresponding sub-lens (134).

[0057] And, a hinge piece (144) is provided on the operating button (120) so as to correspond to each of the hinge protrusions (142). At this time, the hinge piece (144) protrudes downward from the operating button (120) so as to face each other. Of course, the hinge piece (144) can be deformed into various shapes.

[0058] In addition, the hinge hole portion (146) is formed on each of the hinge pieces (144) to receive corresponding hinge protrusions (142) in order to guide multi-directional pressing of the operating button (120) by a pair of hinge protrusions (142).

[0059] Thus, the operation button (120) can be pressed in multiple directions based on a pair of hinge protrusions (142). (See FIG. 6)

[0060] At this time, the hinge projection (142) is integrally provided with the transparent lens (130), particularly the sub-lens (134).

[0061] Thus, the multi-directional switch device (100) according to the present invention enables multi-directional pressing of the operation button (120) based on a pair of hinge protrusions (142) provided on the transparent lens (130), thereby reducing the number of parts for hinge connection of the operation button (120) compared to the existing one, and thereby improving the design freedom of the lighting member (112) and the transparent lens (130), which are design areas.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0063] Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims below. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 100: Multi-directional switch device 110: Circuit board 112: No lighting 120: Control button 122: Symbol hole 130: Transparent lens 132: Main lens 134: Sub lens 135: Flat section 140: Hinge section 142: Hinge projection 144: Hinge piece 146: Hinge hole 150: Lower case 160: Upper case 162: Knob 180: Contact pressure sensor 192: Housing

Claims

Claim 1 A circuit board having a lighting element mounted at a set position or having each of the lighting elements mounted at each set position; an operation button disposed on one side of the circuit board and configured to enable multi-directional pressing operation, guiding the emission of light from the corresponding lighting element outwardly through a symbol hole corresponding one-to-one to the lighting element; a transparent lens disposed on the lighting element to correspond to a plurality of the symbol holes, being relatively closer to the symbol hole in the downwardly inclined area of ​​the operation button, and made of a transparent material; and a hinge part that hinge-connects the operation button, which is subjected to multi-directional pressing operation, to the position-fixed transparent lens, wherein the transparent lens includes a main lens that contacts or is close to the corresponding lighting element to guide the transmission of the emission light of the corresponding lighting element; and a plurality of sub-lenses branching from the main lens to correspond one-to-one to the symbol holes, and the hinge part includes hinge protrusions provided on both sides of the transparent lens. A multi-directional switch device comprising a hinge piece provided on an operating button so as to correspond to each of the hinge protrusions, wherein the hinge piece supports the operating button so as to be rotatable in multiple directions, the number of lighting members is less than the number of symbol holes, and light emitted from one lighting member is guided to a plurality of symbol holes through the main lens and the sub-lens. Claim 2 A multi-directional switch device according to claim 1, comprising: a lower case for housing or supporting the circuit board; an upper case fixedly connected to the lower case while covering one open side of the lower case and fixing the position of the transparent lens; a plurality of plungers provided in the upper case to move downward in conjunction with the downward portion of the operation button, which is hinge-connected to the hinge portion and capable of multi-directional pressing operation; and a contact pressure sensor provided in the circuit board to correspond one-to-one with the plungers, which generates a signal to cause the corresponding lighting member to emit light when in contact with the corresponding plunger. Claim 3 A multi-directional switch device according to claim 2, characterized by including a housing that accommodates the assembled lower case and the upper case. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A multi-directional switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge portion comprises a hinge hole portion formed on each of the hinge pieces to accommodate a corresponding hinge projection in order to guide a multi-directional pressing operation of the operating button by a pair of hinge projections. Claim 6 A multi-directional switch device according to claim 5, characterized in that the hinge projection is integrally provided with the transparent lens.

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