JP5838297B2 - Spoke cover body and switch device using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a spoke cover body mainly used for steering an automobile and a switch device using the spoke cover body.

  In recent years, in automobiles, a spoke cover body and a so-called steering switch are mounted in the vicinity of a steering wheel, and an electronic device such as an audio device or an air conditioner can be operated by operating the switch device with a finger while holding a handle. Widely done.

  Such a conventional spoke cover body and a switch device using the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional switch device, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view thereof. In the figure, 1 is a first cover that is substantially box-shaped and opened downward, and 2 is also substantially box-shaped and opened downward. A plurality of openings 1A and 2A are formed on the outer upper surface of the second cover having a substantially symmetric outer shape with respect to the first cover 1.

  A substantially flat support 1B extending rightward is integrally provided on the right side of the first cover 1, and a plurality of substantially cylindrical connecting portions 1C protruding downward are provided on the support 1B. An oval substantially cylindrical holding recess 1D is formed.

  Further, a substantially flat support 2B extending leftward is integrally provided on the left side of the second cover 2, and a plurality of substantially cylindrical connecting portions 2C protruding downward are provided on the support 2B. An oval substantially cylindrical holding recess 2D is formed.

  Further, reference numeral 3 denotes an intermediate cover disposed above the supports 1B and 2B between the first and second covers 1 and 2, and a plurality of substantially cylindrical connecting bosses 3A each having a pin portion formed on the lower surface at the tip. A plurality of substantially cylindrical mounting bosses 3B each having a mounting hole formed at the tip thereof are formed to project from the left and right sides.

  Then, the pin portions of the plurality of connection bosses 3A of the intermediate cover 3 respectively facing the connection portions 1C and 2C of the first and second covers 1 and 2 are respectively press-fitted into the through holes of the connection portions 1C and 2C for positioning. At the same time, the mounting boss 3B is inserted through the holding recesses 1D and 2D.

  Further, the screw 4 passes through the lower surfaces of the holding recesses 1D and 2D and is tightened in the mounting hole of the mounting boss 3B, so that the first and second covers 1 and 2 are connected and fixed by the intermediate cover 3 and are substantially V-shaped. An integral spoke cover body is formed.

  5 and 6 are substantially box-shaped operating bodies, 7 and 8 are substantially box-shaped, and a plurality of hollow cylindrical portions 7A and 8A are formed at predetermined locations. The operating bodies 5 and 6 are the first and second operating bodies. The first and second covers 1 and 2 protrude from the openings 1A and 2A, respectively, and are mounted on the hollow cylindrical portions 7A and 8A so as to be movable up and down.

  Further, 9 and 10 are wiring boards disposed on the lower surfaces of the cases 7 and 8. A push switch 11 as a switch contact is mounted on the upper surfaces of the wiring boards 9 and 10, and the lower surfaces of the upper operating bodies 5 and 6 are mounted. The pressing portions 5A and 6A are in contact with the operation portion of the push switch 11, respectively.

  Then, the wiring boards 9, 10 and the cases 7, 8 are fixed to the first and second covers 1, 2 by the screws 4 to constitute the switch device 20.

  As shown in the plan view of the steering shown in FIG. 4, the switch device 20 configured in this way is made of a metal base member (not shown) between the steering wheel 12 and the pad 13 containing the central airbag and the like. ) Is fixedly attached with a screw or the like at a predetermined mounting position of the spoke portion 14.

  Then, the push switch 11 and the like are connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle via the wiring patterns of the wiring boards 9 and 10, connectors and lead wires (not shown).

  In the above configuration, when the thumb is extended while holding the steering wheel 12 and the operating body 5 or 6 is pressed, the push switch 11 below is electrically connected and separated, and the vehicle electronic circuit is Various devices mounted on the automobile are controlled, and for example, the volume of the audio device and the temperature of the air conditioner are increased or decreased.

  In the switch device 20, the left connecting boss 3A of the opposing intermediate cover 3 is press-fitted into the connecting portion 1C of the first cover 1, and the opposing right connecting boss 3A is inserted into the connecting portion 2C of the second cover 2. The first and second covers 1 and 2 are individually positioned on the connecting bosses 3A disposed on the left and right sides of the intermediate cover 3, so that, for example, the left and right covers of the intermediate cover 3 are When the finished dimensions of the positions of the plurality of connecting bosses 3A and the dimensional change due to the surrounding environment occur, the first and second covers 1 and 2 that are connected and fixed are likely to be displaced, and the mounting position of the switch device 20 and the steering wheel This may cause a problem in mounting the switch device 20.

  As a prior art document related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2009-32536 A

  In the conventional spoke cover body and the switch device 20 using the same, the first and second covers 1 and 2 are individually positioned and connected and fixed with respect to the intermediate cover 3. There is a problem that the first and second covers 1 and 2 are likely to be misaligned, and the position of the switch device and the steering mounting position may be misaligned when mounting on the steering wheel, which may cause a problem in mounting. It was.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an easy and reliable attachment to a steering wheel.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a first connecting portion in which an end portion of a first cover is provided with a first connecting hole extending in the second cover direction and penetrating in the vertical direction. The second cover is provided at the end of the second cover with a second connection hole extending in the first cover direction and having a second connection hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and projects downward on the lower surface of the intermediate cover. A connecting boss is provided, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged to overlap, and the first and second connecting holes are arranged coaxially, and the connecting boss is used as the first and second connecting holes. A spoke cover body and a switch device using the same are configured by press-fitting and connecting and fixing the first and second covers with an intermediate cover.

  According to the present invention, the first connecting portion of the first cover and the second connecting portion of the second cover are arranged so as to overlap with each other, and the first and second connecting holes are arranged coaxially and connected. The boss is press-fitted into the first and second connecting holes, and the first and second covers are connected and fixed by the intermediate cover. Since the first and second connecting portions are positioned as positions, it is difficult for the first and second covers to be displaced, and the spoke cover body can be easily and reliably mounted at a predetermined mounting position of the steering wheel. And the effect that the switch apparatus using this is realizable can be acquired.

Sectional drawing of the spoke cover body by one embodiment of this invention, and a switch apparatus using the same Exploded perspective view The main part enlarged perspective view of the intermediate cover Steering plan view Sectional view of a conventional spoke cover body and a switch device using the same Exploded perspective view

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment)
1 is a cross-sectional view of a spoke cover body and a switch device using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and the right and left sides of the cross-sectional view of FIG. Some parts are omitted.

  In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a first cover made of an insulating resin such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (hereinafter referred to as ABS) or polycarbonate (hereinafter referred to as PC), which is substantially box-shaped and opened at the lower side; Is a second cover made of an insulating resin such as ABS or PC, which is substantially box-shaped and opened at the lower side.

  A plurality of openings 21 </ b> A are arranged on the left side of the first cover 21, and a plurality of openings 22 </ b> A are arranged on the right side of the second cover 22, and the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are arranged. Are formed in a substantially symmetrical outer shape.

  Further, a support body 21B having a substantially flat upper surface extends rightward at the right end portion of the first cover 21, and is provided integrally with the support body 21B. 21C is lined up in two locations and protrudes downward, and a substantially disk-shaped first coupling portion 21D extending rightward is formed at the lower end of the semi-cylindrical portion 21C.

  Further, similarly, a support body 22B having a substantially flat upper surface is provided on the left end portion of the second cover 22 so as to extend to the left, and is provided integrally with the support body 22B. Two cylindrical portions 22C are juxtaposed and protrude downward, and a substantially disc-shaped second coupling portion 22D extending leftward is formed at the lower end of the half cylindrical portion 22C.

  The first connecting portion 21D has first connecting holes 21E and 21F penetrating in the vertical direction, and the second connecting portion 22D has second connecting holes 22E and 22F penetrating in the vertical direction. Provided, and the first connecting portion 21D is disposed above the second connecting portion 22D.

  Of the first and second connection holes 21E, 21F, 22E, and 22F, the first and second connection holes 21E and 22E on the front side have a substantially oval shape extending in the front-rear direction, The second connection holes 21F and 22F are formed in a substantially circular shape.

  Furthermore, the hole diameter in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first coupling hole 21E disposed above and the hole diameter of the first coupling hole 21F are orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second coupling hole 22E disposed below. It is slightly larger than the hole diameter in the direction and the hole diameter of the second connecting hole 22F.

  Also, holding recesses 21G and 22G are formed on the lower surfaces of the supports 21B and 22B in the vicinity of the insides of the first and second coupling portions 21D and 22D, respectively, and protrude downward in a substantially box shape through the upper surface opening.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes an intermediate cover made of an insulating resin such as ABS or PC having a substantially inverted trapezoidal outer shape. A plurality of connecting bosses 23A having a substantially cross-shaped cross section are formed in the front-rear direction on the substantially central lower surface of the substantially plate-shaped upper surface portion. It is arranged.

  Further, as shown in the enlarged perspective view of the main part of FIG. 3, the connecting boss 23A is formed with a base 23D having an outer diameter W1 from the upper base and a substantially triangular press-fitting rib 23E on each outer end face below the base 23D. The first fitting portion 23F having an outer diameter W2 smaller than the outer diameter W1 of the base portion 23D, and further, substantially triangular press-fitting ribs 23G are formed on the respective outer end surfaces on the lower side, respectively. A second fitting portion 23H having an outer diameter W3 that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter W2 of 23F is integrally formed.

  The outer diameter W2 of the first fitting portion 23F is slightly larger than the first connecting holes 21E and 21F so as to be press-fit, and the outer diameter W3 of the second fitting portion 23H is the second connecting hole 22E. , 22F is set so as to be slightly larger than the hole diameter.

  In addition to the substantially cross shape, the connecting boss 23A may have some sink marks during resin molding, but may have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially polygonal shape.

  In the vicinity of the left and right of the connecting boss 23A, holding convex portions 23B and 23C projecting downward with an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner circumference of the holding concave portions 21G and 22G are formed.

  Here, a method of connecting and fixing the first and second covers 21 and 22 and the intermediate cover 23 disposed between them will be described.

  First, the second connecting portion 22D of the second cover 22 is overlapped under the first connecting portion 21D of the first cover 21, and the respective centers of the first connecting hole 21E and the second connecting hole 22E are overlapped. The positions are arranged on the same axis, and the center positions of the first connection hole 21F and the second connection hole 22F are arranged on the same axis.

  Next, the intermediate cover 23 is placed on the upper surfaces of the supports 21B and 22B, the front connection boss 23A is press-fitted into the first and second connection holes 21E and 22E, and the rear connection boss 23A is Press-fit into the first and second connecting holes 21F, 22F, the holding convex portions 23B, 23C are respectively inserted into the corresponding holding concave portions 21G, 22G, and the lower end surfaces of the plurality of mounting bosses 23J of the holding convex portions 23B, 23C Are in contact with the inner bottom surfaces of the holding recesses 21G and 22G, respectively.

  At this time, when the front and rear connection bosses 23A are press-fitted into the first and second connection holes 21E, 22E, 21F, and 22F, the first connection holes 21E and 21F have a diameter larger than that of the second connection holes 22E and 22F. The second fitting portion 23H on the distal end side of the connecting boss 23A first passes through the first connecting holes 21E, 21F having a large hole diameter from above, and then enters the lower second connecting holes 22E, 22F. While press-fitting, the first fitting portion 23F is press-fitted into the upper first connecting holes 21E and 21F, whereby the second fitting portion 23H is inserted into the second connecting holes 22E and 22F. The first fitting portions 23F are securely press-fitted into the holes 21E and 21F, respectively, so that loosening and backlash are not easily generated between them, and the first and second covers 21 and 22 are more firmly connected and fixed. It can be made small in displacement.

  Although the outer diameter W2 of the first fitting portion 23F is larger than the outer diameter W3 of the second fitting portion 23H, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are directed toward the tip side. The press fitting at the first fitting part is slightly weaker than the press fitting at the second fitting part, but the first fitting part and the second fitting part are the same. The first and second fitting portions may be press-fitted into the first and second connecting holes with an outer diameter.

  Further, a plurality of screws 4 penetrate the mounting holes from the lower surfaces of the holding recesses 21G and 22G and are fastened to the mounting bosses 23J of the holding projections 23B. As shown in FIG. 22 is connected and fixed by the intermediate cover 23 and assembled as a substantially V-shaped integral spoke cover body.

  In addition, the first and second connection holes 21F and 22F on the rear side are formed in a substantially circular shape, and the first and second connection holes 21E and 22E on the front side are formed in a substantially oval shape, whereby The first and second covers 21 and 22 are arranged with the connection holes 21F and 22F as reference positions in the front-rear direction, and the first and second connection bosses 23A and the front and rear first and second connection holes 21E and 22E Dimensional changes such as expansion or contraction due to the dimensional finish between the second connecting portions 21D and 22D and the surrounding temperature and humidity environment can be absorbed.

  Further, the holding convex portions 23B and 23C are inserted into the holding concave portions 21G and 22G, and the mounting bosses 23J of the holding convex portions 23B and 23C are brought into contact with the inner bottom surfaces of the holding concave portions 21G and 22G. 23B and 23C and the holding recesses 21G and 22G are fastened and fixed, so that the vertical and vertical displacements of the first and second covers 21 and 22 are less likely to occur with respect to the intermediate cover 23. Making it stronger.

  5 and 6 are substantially box-shaped operating bodies, 7 and 8 are substantially box-shaped, and a plurality of hollow cylindrical portions 7A and 8A are formed at predetermined positions. The operating bodies 5 and 6 are the first and second operating bodies. The projections 21A and 22A of the covers 21 and 22 are respectively attached to the hollow cylindrical portions 7A and 8A so as to be movable up and down.

  Further, 9 and 10 are wiring boards disposed on the lower surfaces of the cases 7 and 8. A push switch 11 as a switch contact is mounted on the upper surfaces of the wiring boards 9 and 10, and the lower surfaces of the upper operating bodies 5 and 6 are mounted. The pressing portions 5A and 6A are in contact with the operation portion of the push switch 11, respectively.

  Then, the wiring boards 9, 10 and the cases 7, 8 are fastened and fixed to the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 by the screws 4, respectively, and the switch device 30 is configured.

  As shown in the plan view of the steering in FIG. 4, the switch device 30 configured in this way is a metal base member (not shown) between the steering wheel 12 and the pad 13 incorporating the central air bag and the like. ) Is fixedly attached to a predetermined mounting position of the spoke portion 14 with screws or the like (not shown).

  Then, the push switch 11 and the like are connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle via the wiring patterns of the wiring boards 9 and 10, connectors and lead wires (not shown).

  In such a switch device 30, for example, four audio operation switches are disposed on the left first cover 21, and three air conditioner switches are disposed on the right second cover 22. However, depending on the type of vehicle to be mounted, for example, the first and second covers 21 and 22 do not have an opening or a switch, and only the spoke cover body is attached to the steering spoke portion 14 or the right side. The first and second covers with various switches arranged through an intermediate cover are connected and fixed, such as those capable of operating more functions by increasing the number of switches, and a variety of spoke cover bodies and A switch device using this is formed.

  In the above configuration, when the thumb is extended while holding the steering wheel 12 and the operating body 5 or 6 is pressed, the push switch 11 below is electrically connected and separated, and the vehicle electronic circuit is Various devices mounted on the automobile are controlled, and for example, the volume of the audio device and the temperature of the air conditioner are increased or decreased.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first connecting holes 21E and 21F that extend in the up-down direction and extend in the direction of the second cover 22 are formed at the end of the first cover 21. The second connecting portion 22D is provided with second connecting holes 22E and 22F that extend in the vertical direction and extend in the direction of the first cover 21 at the end of the second cover 22. A connecting boss 23A projecting downward is provided on the lower surface of the intermediate cover 23, and the first connecting portion 21D and the second connecting portion 22D are arranged so as to overlap with each other and the first and second connecting holes 21E and 22E. , 21F and 22F are arranged coaxially, the connecting boss 23A is press-fitted into the first and second connecting holes 21E and 22E, and 21F and 22F, respectively, and the first and second covers 21 and 22 are placed in the middle. By connecting and fixing with the cover 23 The first and second covers 21 and 22 are positioned via the first and second connecting portions 21D and 22D with the connecting boss 23A of the intermediate cover 23 as a common reference position. Therefore, it is possible to realize a spoke cover body and a switch device using the spoke cover body that are easy and reliable to mount the steering at a predetermined mounting position.

  Further, by making the hole diameters of the first connection holes 21E, 21F arranged above slightly larger than the hole diameters of the second connection holes 22E, 22F arranged below, the connection boss 23A is made the first and second When the connecting holes 21E and 22E and 21F and 22F are press-fitted, the connecting boss 23A can be securely press-fitted into each connecting hole.

  In the above description, the connecting bosses 23A are arranged in two places in the front-rear direction, and the first and second connecting holes are provided as 21E, 21F and 22E, 22F corresponding to these, but for example, Depending on the size and shape of the connecting and fixing portion, three or more connecting bosses may be provided, and a connecting hole may be provided correspondingly.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The spoke cover body and the switch device according to the present invention have an advantageous effect that it is possible to obtain an easy and reliable attachment of a spoke spoke portion to a predetermined attachment position, and it is mainly used for steering an automobile. It is useful for operation of various electronic devices.

4 Screws 5, 6 Operating body 5A, 6A Press part 7, 8 Case 7A, 8A Hollow cylinder part 9, 10 Wiring board 11 Push switch 12 Steering wheel 13 Pad 20, 30 Switch device 21 First cover 21A, 22A Opening part 21B, 22B Supports 21C, 22C Half cylinder portion 21D First connecting portion 21E, 21F First connecting hole 21G, 22G Holding recess 22 Second cover 22D Second connecting portion 22E, 22F Second connecting hole 23 Intermediate cover 23A Connecting boss 23B, 23C Holding projection 23D Base 23E, 23G Press-fitting rib 23F First fitting portion 23H Second fitting portion 23J Mounting boss

Claims (3)

A substantially box-shaped first cover disposed on one side, a substantially box-shaped second cover disposed on the other side, and disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and A first connecting portion comprising an intermediate cover for connecting the first and second covers, wherein a first connecting hole extending to the other side and penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at an end of the first cover. A second connecting portion that extends to the one end at the end of the second cover and is formed with a second connecting hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and projects downward on the lower surface of the intermediate cover. A connecting boss is provided, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are overlapped and the first and second connecting holes are coaxially arranged, and the connecting boss is connected to the first and second connecting bosses. The first and second covers are fitted to the intermediate cover by press-fitting into the second connecting holes, respectively. Consolidated fixed spoke cover me. Of the first and second connecting holes arranged in the vertical direction, the diameter of the first connecting hole is made larger than the diameter of the second connecting hole and the connecting boss is press-fitted into each connecting hole from above. Fitted spoke cover body. 3. A switch device, wherein an operation body is operably attached to the spoke cover body according to claim 1 and a switch contact is provided in the spoke cover body so that electrical contact and separation are performed in accordance with the operation of the operation body.

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