Vehicle operation lever

Abstract

A vehicle operation lever (100) comprises: a lever body (210) that is provided with an accommodation space; an operation key (221) which is provided to the leading end portion of the lever body (210) in the longitudinal direction, and on which a pressing operation can be performed; a movable body (230) which is provided in the accommodation space of the lever body (210) and moves in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the pressing operation on the operation key (221); switches (261, 262) which are actuated in conjunction with the pressing operation on the operation key (221); a circuit board (260) which is provided in the accommodation space of the lever body (210) and has the switches (261, 262) mounted thereon; and a functional component which is provided on the circuit board (260). The movable body (230) is a frame body having openings (230A, 230B) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The functional component is accommodated inside the movable body (230).

Description

Vehicle operation lever

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating lever for a vehicle.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vehicles such as automobiles use a lever-type input device attached to a steering column, allowing a driver of the vehicle to operate various control target devices (e.g., headlights, blinkers, wipers, etc.) attached to the vehicle by operating the lever-type input device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an in-vehicle knob switch in which an operation ring for rotational operation, an operation key for pressing operation, and an operation knob for swinging operation are arranged on a housing.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-192558

[0005] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, as functionality increases, if functional components with multiple functions are housed inside the housing, the size of the housing may become larger, or the strength of the functional components (sliding members, etc.) used to perform the switch operation may be insufficient, making it impossible to perform stable switch operation.

[0006] An operating lever for a vehicle according to one embodiment comprises a lever body having a storage space, an operating key provided at the longitudinal tip of the lever body and capable of being pressed, a movable body provided in the storage space of the lever body and moving in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with pressing the operating key, a switch that operates in conjunction with pressing the operating key, a circuit board provided in the storage space of the lever body and on which the switch is mounted, and functional components provided on the circuit board, wherein the movable body is a frame body having an opening in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the functional components are housed inside the movable body.

[0007] According to the vehicle operation lever according to one embodiment, switches and functional components can be mounted without increasing the size, and stable switch operation can be achieved.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vehicle operation lever according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a vehicle operation lever according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a lever portion provided in a vehicle operation lever according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a lever portion provided in a vehicle operation lever according to one embodiment;

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, in the vehicle control lever 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, the X-axis direction in the drawings is the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction in the drawings is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction in the drawings is the up-down direction. However, the positive X-axis direction is the forward direction, the positive Y-axis direction is the rightward direction, and the positive Z-axis direction is the upward direction. In the steering device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the X'-axis direction in the drawings is the front-rear direction, the Y'-axis direction in the drawings is the left-right direction, and the Z'-axis direction in the drawings is the up-down direction. However, the positive X'-axis direction is the forward direction, the positive Y'-axis direction is the rightward direction, and the positive Z'-axis direction is the upward direction. These terms indicate relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operation direction of the device. Devices with the same relative positional relationships within the device, even if they have different installation directions or operation directions, are all within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle operation lever 100 includes a main body 110 and a lever 200.

[0011] Main body 110 has a box-like (approximately rectangular) outer shape. Main body 110 is fixed to a predetermined installation location where vehicle operation lever 100 is installed. Main body 110 supports base 200A of lever 200 inside thereof so that the base 200A can swing.

[0012] The lever portion 200 has a base portion 200A that is supported so as to be swingable inside the main body portion 110, and an operating portion 200B that penetrates a first side portion 111A on the positive side of the Y axis of the housing 111 of the main body portion 110 and extends diagonally upward from the first side portion 111A (to the right (positive direction of the Y axis) and upward (positive direction of the Z axis)).

[0013] In particular, the operating unit 200B has a first portion 200Ba extending diagonally upward (to the right (positive Y-axis direction) and upward (positive Z-axis direction)) from an end portion (end portion on the positive Y-axis side) of the base 200A, and a hollow, square rod-shaped second portion 200Bb extending in a straight line from an end portion (positive Y-axis side) of the first portion 200Ba diagonally upward to the right (positive Y-axis direction) and upward (positive Z-axis direction) at a gentler inclination angle than the first portion 200Ba. The second portion 200Bb is held by the operator's hand and is used for various operations by the operator's hand.

[0014] The lever portion 200 can be swung upward (positive Z-axis direction, D1 in the figure), downward (negative Z-axis direction, D2 in the figure), forward (positive X-axis direction, D4 in the figure), and backward (negative X-axis direction, D3 in the figure).

[0015] A first operation key 221 that can be pressed is provided at the tip of operation unit 200B of lever unit 200. When first operation key 221 is pressed by the operator, vehicle operation lever 100 simultaneously turns on two switches (a first switch and a second switch) provided in lever unit 200, thereby simultaneously switching the states of two operation target devices (a first operation target device and a second operation target device) provided in the vehicle.

[0016] In this embodiment, a key that automatically returns from a pressed state to a non-pressed state when the pressing operation is released is used as the first operation key 221. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first operation key 221 may be a key that maintains the pressed state even when the pressing operation is released and can be manually switched from the pressed state to the non-pressed state.

[0017] Furthermore, an operating member 222 that can be pressed is provided on the upper surface of operating portion 200B of lever portion 200. When the operator presses operating member 222, vehicle operating lever 100 turns on one switch (an example of an "operating part") provided in lever portion 200, thereby switching the state of one operation target device (third operation target device) provided in the vehicle.

[0018] (Installation example of vehicle operation lever 100) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the appearance of the steering device 10 when the steering 11 is viewed from the driver's side of the vehicle in plan view.

[0019] 2 are different from the three axial directions (X'-axis, Y'-axis, Z'-axis) of the vehicle operation lever 100 alone shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. Specifically, in the steering device 10, the vehicle operation lever 100 is provided so that the upper side (positive Z-axis direction) of the vehicle operation lever 100 is located rearward (negative X'-axis direction) of the steering device 10 (i.e., so that the operation member 222 faces toward the driver).

[0020] That is, an upward pivoting operation D1 of the lever unit 200 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a rearward pivoting operation (negative direction of the X' axis) in the steering device 10 shown in FIG. 2. A downward pivoting operation D2 of the lever unit 200 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a forward pivoting operation (positive direction of the X' axis) in the steering device 10 shown in FIG. 2. A forward pivoting operation D4 of the lever unit 200 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an upward pivoting operation (positive direction of the Z' axis) in the steering device 10 shown in FIG. 2. A rearward pivoting operation D3 of the lever unit 200 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a downward pivoting operation (negative direction of the Z' axis) in the steering device 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The steering device 10 shown in Fig. 2 is provided in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle and is operated by the driver of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 2, the steering device 10 includes a steering wheel 11, a steering column 12, a vehicle operation lever 13, and a vehicle operation lever 100.

[0022] The steering wheel 11 has a rim 11A, a hub 11B, and a plurality of spokes 11C.

[0023] The rim 11A has an annular shape that forms the outer periphery of the steering wheel 11. The rim 11A is a portion that is gripped by the operator's hands when the steering wheel 11 is rotated (i.e., when the steering wheel is operated).

[0024] The hub 11B is provided in the center of the steering wheel 11. The hub 11B is a part that is fixed to the end of a steering shaft (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0025] Each of the spokes 11C extends in a straight line radially outward from the hub 11B and is connected to the rim 11A to support the rim 11A.

[0026] The steering column 12 is provided behind the hub 11B of the steering wheel 11 and is a component that houses a steering shaft (not shown). As viewed from the driver of the vehicle, a lever portion 200 of a vehicle operation lever 100 is provided extending in a straight line obliquely upward to the right from a right side portion 12B of the steering column 12. Furthermore, as viewed from the driver of the vehicle, a vehicle operation lever 13 is provided extending in a straight line obliquely upward to the left from a left side portion 12A of the steering column 12.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle operating lever 100 is provided on the back side of the steering wheel 11 so that the main body 110 is incorporated and fixed inside the steering column 12 and the lever portion 200 passes through the side portion 12B of the steering column 12 and extends in a straight line toward the side of the side portion 12B.

[0028] The vehicle operation lever 100 is electrically connected to various control target devices equipped in the vehicle, and can control the operation of the various control target devices equipped in the vehicle by swinging the operation lever 100 by an operator. Examples of the various control target devices that can be controlled by swinging the vehicle operation lever 100 include an electronic shifter, turn signals, headlights, etc.

[0029] The vehicle operation lever 100 is electrically connected to three control target devices (a first operation target device, a second operation target device, and a third operation target device) provided in the vehicle, and when the operator presses the first operation key 221, the operation of two control target devices (the first operation target device and the second operation target device) provided in the vehicle can be simultaneously controlled. When the operator presses the operation member 222, the operation of one control target device (the third operation target device) provided in the vehicle can be controlled. Note that the vehicle operation lever 100 may be configured to simultaneously control the operation of two different functions of the same control target device when the operator presses the first operation key 221. Furthermore, the vehicle operation lever 100 may be configured to control the operation of a different function of the same control device when the operator presses the operation member 222, as when the operator presses the first operation key 221.

[0030] In this embodiment, the vehicle operation lever 100 is provided on the steering column 12 , but this is not limiting, and the vehicle operation lever 100 may be provided on the steering wheel 11 .

[0031] The vehicle operation lever 13 has a generally symmetrical shape to the vehicle operation lever 100. That is, the vehicle operation lever 13 is provided on the back side of the steering wheel 11 such that a main body 13A is incorporated and fixed inside the steering column 12, and an operation lever 13B penetrates a side surface 12A of the steering column 12 and extends linearly to the side of the side surface 12A. The vehicle operation lever 13 is electrically connected to various control target devices equipped in the vehicle, and can be swung by an operator to control the operation of various control target devices equipped in the vehicle (however, these control target devices are different from the control target devices controlled by the vehicle operation lever 100). Note that operation of the vehicle operation lever 13 and operation of the vehicle operation lever 100 may control different functions of the same control target device.

[0032] (Configuration of vehicle operation lever 100) Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the lever portion 200 included in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is an external perspective view of the lever portion 200 included in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the lever portion 200 included in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lever portion 200 included in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating section 200B of the lever section 200 includes a lever body 210, a first operating key 221, an operating member 222, a first movable body 230, a second movable body 240, a holder 250, a circuit board 260, a rubber stem 223, a rubber stem 224, and a plurality of light guides 225.

[0034] The lever body 210 is a lever-shaped member made of resin that has the outer shape of the operating portion 200B of the lever portion 200 (i.e., a shape extending outward from the main body portion 110 of the vehicle operating lever 100) and has an accommodation space.

[0035] The lever body 210 has a first component 210a that forms the outer shape of the first part 200Ba (see Figure 1) of the operating part 200B, and a second component 210b that forms the outer shape of the second part 200Bb (see Figure 1) of the operating part 200B.

[0036] That is, the first component 210a of the lever body 210 is a hollow portion that extends diagonally upward (to the right (positive Y-axis direction) and upward (positive Z-axis direction)) from the end of the base 200A (the end on the positive Y-axis side).

[0037] In addition, the second component 210b of the lever body 210 is a hollow, square rod-shaped portion that extends linearly diagonally upward (to the right (positive Y-axis direction) and upward (positive Z-axis direction)) at a gentler inclination angle than the first component 210a.

[0038] Lever body 210 is configured to be separable into upper and lower parts, upper part 211 and lower part 212. As shown in Figure 3, upper part 211 of lever body 210 is integrally provided with base 200A of lever part 200.

[0039] The first operation key 221 is a resin-made member that can be pressed and is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210. The first operation key 221 has a planar operation surface 221A. The operation surface 221A is exposed from an opening 213A formed in the tip surface 213 of the second component 210b of the lever body 210, and can therefore be pressed by the operator.

[0040] The operating member 222 is a resin-made, depressible member that is provided inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210 so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction). The operating member 222 has a planar operating surface 222A. The operating surface 222A is exposed from an opening 214A formed in the upper surface 214 of the second component 210b of the lever body 210 (upper portion 211), and therefore can be pressed by the operator.

[0041] The first movable body 230 is an elongated frame body that is provided inside the second component part 210b of the lever body 210 and extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The first movable body 230 is provided inside the second component part 210b of the lever body 210 so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0042] Specifically, the first movable body 230 has a rectangular frame shape including a pair of vertical, wall-like long frame portions 231 extending parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), a vertical, wall-like first short frame portion 232 (an example of a "short frame portion on the other side") connecting the terminal ends (ends on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the pair of long frame portions 231, and a vertical, wall-like second short frame portion 233 (an example of a "short frame portion on one side") connecting the tip ends (ends on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the pair of long frame portions 231. The first movable body 230 also has an upper opening 230A and a lower opening 230B extending in a direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The upper opening 230A and the lower opening 230B are connected, i.e., the openings penetrate the first movable body 230 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0043] An outer peripheral wall portion 252 of the holder 250 is disposed inside the first movable body 230. As a result, the first movable body 230 is supported by the holder 250 so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0044] The first operation key 221 is fixed to the second short frame portion 233 of the first movable body 230. As a result, when the first operation key 221 is pressed, the first movable body 230 moves in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) together with the first operation key 221 inside the second component portion 210b of the lever main body 210.

[0045] The second movable body 240 is a resin member that is provided inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210 so as to be movable in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the second movable body 240 has a generally rectangular prism shape that extends in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The second movable body 240 is provided inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210, below the operating member 222 (Z-axis negative side), and in a space surrounded by the first movable body 230, and is supported by the holder 250 so as to be movable in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0046] An operating member 222 is fixed to the upper surface of second movable body 240. As a result, when operating member 222 is pressed, second movable body 240 moves vertically (in the Z-axis direction) together with operating member 222 inside second component part 210b of lever main body 210.

[0047] The holder 250 is a resin container-shaped member with an open top that is provided inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210. Specifically, the holder 250 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower part 212 of the lever body 210 inside the second component 210b of the lever body 210. Like the second component 210b of the lever body 210, the holder 250 has a longitudinal shape that extends linearly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0048] The holder 250 has a horizontal, flat bottom plate portion 251 and a vertical wall-like (approximately rectangular frame-like) outer peripheral wall portion 252 provided along the outer periphery of the bottom plate portion 251 .

[0049] An outer peripheral wall portion 252 of the holder 250 is disposed inside the first movable body 230. As a result, the holder 250 supports the first movable body 230 so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0050] The holder 250 also has a holding portion 253 consisting of a portion of the wall portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 252 on the positive side of the X-axis and a portion of the wall portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 252 on the negative side of the X-axis, which are opposed to each other, and the holding portion 253 supports the second movable body 240 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0051] Circuit board 260 is provided inside lever body 210. In this embodiment, a flexible, band-like, sheet-like board is used as circuit board 260. Circuit board 260 extends inside lever body 210 from the tip end (the end on the positive side of the Y axis) of lever body 210 to the end end (the end on the negative side of the Y axis) of lever body 210, and is further drawn out from the end end of lever body 210 into main body 110 of vehicle operating lever 100 and connected to a circuit board (not shown) provided inside main body 110.

[0052] The circuit board 260 has a horizontal portion 260A disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 251 of the holder 250. The horizontal portion 260A is horizontal with respect to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 251 of the holder 250. A fixed contact portion 263 consisting of multiple fixed contacts is provided on the surface of the horizontal portion 260A below the second movable body 240 (negative side of the Z axis). The fixed contact portion 263 functions as an "operating component" of the vehicle operation lever 100. The fixed contact portion 263 faces the second movable body 240 with a conductive and elastic rubber stem 224 sandwiched therebetween. When the operating member 222 is pressed and the second movable body 240 moves in the negative direction of the Z axis, the rubber stem 224 pressed by the second movable body 240 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 263, and the multiple fixed contacts become conductive with each other via the rubber stem 224, thereby switching the switch to an on state.

[0053] Furthermore, a plurality of LEDs 264 are provided on the surface of the horizontal portion 260A. Some of the plurality of LEDs 264 can emit light to illuminate the first operation key 221, the operation member 222, etc. Other of the plurality of LEDs 264 can emit light to illuminate the symbol mark 215 (see FIG. 6 ) provided on the top surface 214 of the lever body 210 via a light guide 225 provided in the space surrounded by the first movable body 230.

[0054] The circuit board 260 also has a first vertical portion 260B located closer to the tip end (positive side of the Y axis) than the horizontal portion 260A. The first vertical portion 260B is perpendicular to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 251 of the holder 250. The first vertical portion 260B is formed by bending the circuit board 260 upward and then downward, and is held by the portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 252 of the holder 250 on the positive side of the Y axis. The surface of the first vertical portion 260B faces the positive side of the Y axis and faces the second short frame portion 233 of the first movable body 230, with the conductive and elastic rubber stem 223 sandwiched therebetween. The surface of the first vertical portion 260B also has a fixed contact portion 261 made up of multiple fixed contacts. The fixed contact portion 261 functions as a "first switch" included in the vehicle operation lever 100. When the first operating key 221 is pressed and the first movable body 230 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, the fixed contact portion 261 is brought into contact with the rubber stem 223 pressed by the second short frame portion 233, and the multiple fixed contacts are connected to each other via the rubber stem 223, thereby switching to the switch-on state.

[0055] Circuit board 260 also has a second vertical portion 260C located closer to the rear end (negative side of the Y axis) than horizontal portion 260A. Second vertical portion 260C is perpendicular to the upper surface of bottom plate portion 251 of holder 250. Second vertical portion 260C is formed by bending circuit board 260 upward and then downward, and is held by a portion of outer peripheral wall portion 252 of holder 250 on the negative side of the Y axis. The surface of second vertical portion 260C faces the positive side of the Y axis and faces first short frame portion 232 of first movable body 230. A switch 262 is also provided on the surface of second vertical portion 260C. Switch 262 functions as a "second switch" included in vehicle operation lever 100. When the first operation key 221 is pressed and the first movable body 230 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, the switch 262 is pressed by the first short frame portion 232 of the first movable body 230, and is switched to the switch-on state.

[0056] (Switching Operation of Vehicle Control Lever 100) In the vehicle control lever 100 according to one embodiment, when the operating member 222 is pressed, the second movable body 240 moves in the negative direction of the Z axis together with the operating member 222. As a result, the vehicle control lever 100 according to one embodiment can switch the fixed contact portion 263 (operating component) provided on the circuit board 260 to a switch-on state by pressing the rubber stem 224 with the second movable body 240. As a result, the vehicle control lever 100 according to one embodiment can switch the state of one operation target device (third operation target device) provided in the vehicle.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, when the first operation key 221 is pressed, the first movable body 230 moves in the negative Y-axis direction together with the first operation key 221. As a result, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment can switch the fixed contact portion 261 (first switch) provided on the circuit board 260 to the switch-on state by pressing the rubber stem 223 with the second short frame portion 233 of the first movable body 230, and can simultaneously switch the switch 262 (second switch) provided on the circuit board 260 to the switch-on state by pressing the switch 262 with the first short frame portion 232 of the first movable body 230. As a result, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment can simultaneously switch the states of two operation target devices (a first operation target device and a second operation target device) provided in the vehicle.

[0058] Note that examples of two operation target devices (first operation target device and second operation target device) whose states can be switched simultaneously by pressing the first operation key 221 include, for example, an electronic shifter unlocking device, a solenoid driving device, an ignition, a door mirror opening / closing device, a symbol illumination device, and a dimmer device. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and any device may be used as long as at least two operation target devices are different. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two different functions of the same operation target device may be controlled by pressing the first operation key 221. For example, the first switch and the second switch may be switches for the same operation target device. In this case, for example, the first switch may be a switch for a large-current circuit or contact, and the second switch may be a switch for a small-current circuit or contact.

[0059] Furthermore, although the timing at which the first switch and the second switch are pressed is described as being simultaneous, this is not limiting and a time lag may be provided, as in the case of a two-stage switch. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which when the first operation key 221 is lightly pressed, one of the first switch and the second switch is activated, and when the first operation key 221 is pressed further, the other of the first switch and the second switch is activated.

[0060] Here, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the first movable body 230 is a rectangular frame-shaped frame body, so that multiple functional components (fixed contact portion 261, fixed contact portion 263, multiple LEDs 264, rubber stem 223, rubber stem 224, multiple light guides 225, and second movable body 240) can be accommodated within the frame of the first movable body 230 (an example of the "inside of the movable body"), and the first operating key 221 can move in the negative direction of the Y axis when pressed, with little operating space and without interfering with the multiple functional components.

[0061] Therefore, according to the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, switches and functional components can be mounted without increasing the size.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the vehicle operating lever 100 of one embodiment, the first movable body 230 is a frame body, so that the strength of the first movable body 230 can be increased, and therefore stable switch operation can be performed.

[0063] In addition, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the circuit board 260 is a flexible circuit board that extends in the longitudinal direction of the lever body 210 inside the lever body 210 from the tip end of the lever body 210 to the end end of the lever body 210.

[0064] As a result, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment can effectively utilize the accommodation space of the lever body 210, and can mount a large number of functional components on a single circuit board 260. Furthermore, because the circuit board 260 of the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment is flexible, the orientations of the multiple functional components (in this embodiment, the fixed contact portion 261, the switch 262, the fixed contact portion 263, and the multiple LEDs 264) provided on the single circuit board 260 can be easily changed by bending the single circuit board 260.

[0065] In addition, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the functional component arranged inside the first movable body 230 is a fixed contact portion 263 (operating component) that operates in conjunction with the pressing operation of the operating member 222 exposed from the opening 214A on the upper surface 214 (outer surface) of the lever main body 210.

[0066] As a result, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the functional components for switching operation in the short direction of the lever body 210 can be arranged inside the first movable body 230, thereby preventing the size of the vehicle operating lever 100 from increasing due to the installation of the switch function.

[0067] In addition, in the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment, the functional component arranged inside the first movable body 230 is an LED 264 (light source) that illuminates the symbol mark 215 (display unit) on the lever body 210.

[0068] As a result, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the functional components for illuminating the short side of the lever body 210 can be arranged inside the first movable body 230, thereby preventing the size of the vehicle operating lever 100 from increasing due to the implementation of the illumination function.

[0069] In addition, the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment includes a first switch (fixed contact portion 261) that is arranged opposite the inner surface of the second short frame portion 233 on the tip side (one side) of the first movable body 230 and is activated by movement of the first movable body 230, and a second switch (switch 262) that is arranged opposite the outer surface of the first short frame portion 232 on the end side (other side) of the first movable body 230 and is activated by movement of the first movable body 230.

[0070] As a result, the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment can operate two switches simultaneously, enabling stable switching operation of the two switches, and ensuring sufficient space for arranging other functional components inside the first movable body 230.

[0071] The first switch may be pressed directly by the first operation key 221 without using the first movable body 230 .

[0072] In addition, the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment has a regulating portion on the outer surface of the holder 250 that guides the movement of the first movable body 230 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and regulates the amount of movement of the first movable body 230 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0073] As a result, the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment can restrict the amount of movement of the first movable body 230 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) while suppressing deformation and tilting of the first movable body 230.

[0074] Specifically, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment has a pair of protrusions 254 (an example of a "restriction portion") arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) on the outer surface of portions (portions on the X-axis positive side and portions on the X-axis negative side) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the outer peripheral wall portion 252 of the holder 250. Meanwhile, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment has a pair of guide grooves 234 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and having a constant length in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) on the long frame portion 231 of the first movable body 230.

[0075] Each protrusion 254 engages with each guide groove 234 and slides in the Y-axis direction within each guide groove 234 as first movable body 230 moves in the Y-axis direction. This allows each protrusion 254 to guide the movement of first movable body 230 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, when the movement amount of first movable body 230 reaches a predetermined maximum movement amount, each protrusion 254 abuts against the end of each guide groove 234, thereby restricting further movement of first movable body 230.

[0076] In particular, the vehicle operating lever 100 according to one embodiment has a pair of protrusions 254 on the outer surface of the portion of the outer wall portion 252 of the holder 250 that extends in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), thereby enabling the first movable body 230 to be reliably guided in the Y-axis direction, and suppressing deformation of the first movable body 230 and tilting of the first movable body 230.

[0077] Each guide groove 234 extends downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) at the end on the negative side of the Y axis, and opens at the lower edge of the long frame portion 231 of the first movable body 230. As a result, when assembling the first movable body 230 into the holder 250, each guide groove 234 allows each protrusion 254 to easily engage into each guide groove 234 from the opening of each guide groove 234 by simply pushing the first movable body 230 into the holder 250 from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0078] In addition, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, the first movable body 230 is held by the holder 250 provided in the accommodation space of the lever body 210 .

[0079] As a result, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the holder 250 can be a separate part from the lever body 210, thereby achieving effects such as allowing the holder 250 to be molded easily and with high precision and increasing the design freedom of the holder 250.

[0080] In this embodiment, the holder 250 is a separate component from the lever body 210, but this is not limiting, and the holder 250 may be provided integrally with the lever body 210.

[0081] In addition, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, the first operation key 221 is fixed to the second short frame portion 233 on the tip side (positive side of the Y axis, one side) of the first movable body 230 .

[0082] As a result, in one embodiment of the vehicle operating lever 100, the second short frame portion 233 of the first movable body 230 can absorb the operating load applied to the first movable body 230, making it less likely for the long frame portion 231 of the first movable body 230 to bend, and therefore, stable switch operation can be performed.

[0083] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0084] For example, in the present embodiment, switches (a first switch and a second switch) are provided at the tip and the end of the operating unit 200B of the vehicle control lever 100, respectively. For example, a switch may be provided at one of the tip and the end of the operating unit 200B, and no switch may be provided at the other of the tip and the end of the operating unit 200B. Furthermore, for example, a switch may be provided at one of the tip and the end of the operating unit 200B, and a device other than a switch (e.g., a sensor, a vibration generator, etc.) may be provided at the other of the tip and the end of the operating unit 200B.

[0085] For example, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, a vibration generator may be provided instead of the first switch (fixed contact portion 261), and the vibration generator may generate vibrations when the first operation key 221 is pressed. This allows the vibration generator to be generated near the first operation key 221, making it easier for the operator's fingers to feel the vibrations. Similarly, a vibration generator may be provided instead of the second switch. This increases the degree of freedom in the placement space of the vibration generator and allows vibrations to be efficiently transmitted to the operation unit 200B or the first operation key 221.

[0086] Also, for example, a sensor may be provided instead of the first switch or the second switch to detect the movement of the first movable body 230, output a detection signal to a device electrically connected to the sensor, and perform predetermined control processing. This increases the degree of freedom in the placement space of the sensor, and makes it possible to control the operation of the device to be operated by operation of the first operation key 221 through switch-based processing and sensor-based processing.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, the "movable body that moves in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the pressing of the operation key" may be something other than a frame (e.g., a rod-shaped body) as long as it has sufficient strength when pressed. Even in this case, the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment can activate two functions at predetermined timing when the operation key is pressed.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, the "first switch" is provided within the frame of the first movable body 230 and is pressed by the second short frame portion 233 of the first movable body 230, but this is not limitative. For example, in the vehicle operation lever 100 according to one embodiment, the "first switch" may be pressed by the first operation key 221 without going through the first movable body 230.

[0089] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-084316, filed on May 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Steering device 11 Steering 11A Rim 11B Hub 11C Spoke portion 12 Steering column 12A, 12B Side portion 13 Vehicle operation lever 13A Main body portion 13B Operation lever 100 Vehicle operation lever 110 Main body portion 111 Housing 200 Lever portion 200A Base portion 200B Operation portion 200Ba First portion 200Bb Second portion 210 Lever main body 211 Upper portion 212 Lower portion 213 Tip surface 213A Opening 214 Upper surface 214A Opening 210a First component portion 210b Second component portion 221 First operation key 221A Operation surface 222 Operation member 222A Operation surface 223 Rubber stem 224 Rubber stem 225 Light guide 230 First movable body 231 Long frame portion 232 First short frame portion 233 Second short frame portion 234 Guide groove 240 Second movable body 250 Holder 251 Bottom plate portion 252 Outer peripheral wall portion 253 Holding portion 254 Protrusion 260 Circuit board 260A Horizontal portion 260B First vertical portion 260C Second vertical portion 261 Fixed contact portion 262 Switch 263 Fixed contact portion 264 LED

Claims

1. A vehicle operation lever comprising: a lever body having a storage space; an operation key provided at the longitudinal tip of the lever body and capable of being pressed; a movable body provided in the storage space of the lever body and moving in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the pressing of the operation key; a switch that operates in conjunction with the pressing of the operation key; a circuit board provided in the storage space of the lever body and on which the switch is mounted; and functional components provided on the circuit board, wherein the movable body is a frame having an opening in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the functional components are housed inside the movable body.

2. The vehicle operating lever according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is a flexible circuit board and extends in the longitudinal direction.

3. A vehicle operating lever as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional component is an operating part that operates in conjunction with the pressing operation of an operating member exposed from an opening on the outer surface of the lever body.

4. A vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional component is a light source that illuminates the display portion of the lever body.

5. A vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switch is provided facing the inner surface of the short frame portion on one side of the movable body.

6. A vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switch is provided facing the outer surface of the short frame portion on the other side of the movable body.

7. A vehicle operating lever as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a first switch provided opposite the inner surface of the short frame portion on one side of the movable body, and a second switch provided opposite the outer surface of the short frame portion on the other side of the movable body.

8. A vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable body is held by a holder provided in the accommodation space of the lever body.

9. A vehicle operating lever as described in claim 8, characterized in that the outer surface of the holder has a regulating portion that guides the movement of the movable body in the longitudinal direction and regulates the amount of movement of the movable body in the longitudinal direction.

10. A vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating key is fixed to a short frame portion on one side of the movable body.

11. A vehicle operating lever as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a vibration generating device provided opposite the inner surface of the short frame portion on one side of the movable body, and the switch provided opposite the outer surface of the short frame portion on the other side of the movable body.

12. A vehicle operating lever as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises: the switch provided opposite the inner surface of the short frame portion on one side of the movable body; and a vibration generator provided opposite the outer surface of the short frame portion on the other side of the movable body.

13. The vehicle operating lever according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sensor that detects movement of the movable body in the longitudinal direction.

Images