JP2006172802A - Complex switching structure and complex switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a complex switching structure and a complex switch with switching operability improved and simplification of a panel face of a switch device aimed at, through arrangement of operating parts of other switches in multiple layers including a multidirectional slide switch and putting together at a place in three dimensions of operating parts of a plurality of kinds of switches. <P>SOLUTION: The multidirectional slide switch S1 comprises a base 12, and a penetrating part penetrating through a top case 31, a slider 20, a guide means consisting of a lattice-like guide part 19 or the like, and a metal brush 25, and with the use of he penetrating part, an upper jog dial 38 is arranged as a operating part of other switches over the multidirectional slide switch S1. In this instance, an upper jog shaft 41, integrally provided at the upper jog dial, is inserted into the penetrating part, and the upper jog dial is installed on a complex switching base 1, supported in free rotation through the upper jog shaft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite switch used as, for example, an operation switch for operating a car navigation system or other vehicle-mounted equipment, and a switch composite structure thereof. In particular, the operation unit of another switch is mainly a multi-directional slide switch. By arranging them in multiple layers, the operation parts of several types of switches are three-dimensionally integrated into one place so that the switch operability can be improved and the switch installation panel surface can be simplified.

  With the spread of car navigation devices, the number of vehicles equipped with car navigation devices as a standard is increasing. When a car navigation device is standard equipment, a center control switch for navigation operation is integrated into the front of the dashboard.

  This type of center control switch has a large number of switch operation units such as eight independent 8-direction buttons and a decision button used when operating a cursor on a navigation operation screen. On the other hand, on the front face of the dashboard, operation parts of various switches such as an operation switch of a vehicle air conditioner existing before the prevalence of car navigation are integrated. For this reason, when the car navigation device is standard equipment, the number of switch operation parts arranged in a plane on the front of the dashboard is inevitably increased, and the front of the dashboard becomes complicated and the switch operability is improved. Decreases.

  As a means for solving such a problem, introduction of a multi-directional slide switch described in Patent Document 1 can be considered.

  The multi-directional slide switch of the same document can perform the same switch operation as the above eight independent 8-way buttons only by sliding one slider that can be slid in multiple directions on the same plane in 8 directions. is there. For this reason, the number of switch operation units arranged in a plane in front of the dashboard is reduced by introducing the multi-directional slide switch of the same document.

  However, due to the structure and operation of the multi-directional slide switch, there is a limit to the reduction in the number of switch operation parts due to the introduction of the multi-directional slide switch of the same document. There is a possibility that the increase in the number of switch operation units to be performed cannot be sufficiently handled. It is expected that another switch operation unit will be newly added around the multi-directional slide switch. Then, again, the number of switch operation units arranged in a plane on the dashboard front surface increases, the dashboard front surface becomes complicated, and problems such as reduced switch operability may occur.

JP 2003-59374 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The purpose of the present invention is to arrange the operation units of several types of switches by arranging the operation units of other switches in multiple layers around the multi-directional slide switch. It is to provide a switch composite structure and a composite switch that are integrated in one place in three dimensions to improve switch operability and simplify the switch installation panel surface.

  In order to achieve the above object, the switch composite structure according to the present invention includes an operation unit of a multi-directional slide switch and an operation unit of another switch operating separately from the multi-directional slide switch on the composite switch base. A switch composite structure arranged in multiple layers, wherein the multi-directional slide switch includes a base, a fixing means for fixing the base on the composite switch base, a top case disposed above the upper surface of the base, A slider disposed between the base and the top case; guide means for guiding the slider so as to be slidable in multiple directions on the same plane; and an operating portion integrally provided on the outer periphery of the slider; and An operation knob for sliding the slider in multiple directions, a fixed contact pattern formed on the upper surface of the base, and the slide. A metal brush that is mounted on the lid and faces the fixed contact pattern and moves in multiple directions integrally with the slider, and vertically penetrates the base, the top case, the slider, the guide means, and the metal brush. And an operating portion of any one of the other switches has a shaft inserted into the penetrating portion, and is installed on the composite switch base via the shaft. It is characterized by being.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the operation part of the other switch is an upper jog dial disposed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the upper jog dial is connected via an upper jog shaft composed of the shaft. It is good also as what is supported so that rotation is possible.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch includes an upper jog dial disposed above the multidirectional slide switch and a lower jog dial disposed below the multidirectional slide switch. The upper jog dial is rotatably supported via an upper jog shaft composed of the shaft, and the lower jog dial is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft surrounding the outer periphery of the fixing means. It may be made up of.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch is a push button disposed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the push button is pushed through a push shaft including the shaft. It may be supported as possible.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the operation portion of the other switch includes an upper jog dial and a push button disposed above the multidirectional slide switch, and the multidirectional A lower jog dial disposed below the slide switch, and the upper jog dial is rotatably supported via an upper jog shaft composed of the cylindrical shaft, and the push button is supported by the cylindrical jog dial. The lower jog dial is supported so as to be able to push through a push shaft that is slidably inserted inside the shaft, and the lower jog dial is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft that surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing means. It may be.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch includes a palm rest placed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the palm rest is supported and fixed via the shaft. It may be made up of.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, an upper jog switch having the upper jog dial as an operation unit is rotatably installed on the composite switch base, and is connected to a lower end of the upper jog shaft. An upper jog rotation plate that rotates integrally with the shaft, and an upper jog contact portion provided between the upper jog rotation plate and the composite switch base may be provided.

  In the switch composite structure according to the present invention, the lower jog switch having the lower jog dial as an operation unit is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is coupled to the lower end of the lower jog shaft. A lower jog rotation plate that rotates integrally with the shaft, and a lower jog contact portion provided between the lower jog rotation plate and the composite switch base may be provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the composite switch according to the present invention is a composite switch in which a multi-directional slide switch and other switches operating separately from the multi-directional slide switch are arranged in multiple layers on the composite switch base. The multi-directional slide switch includes a base, a fixing means for fixing the base on the composite switch base, a top case disposed above the upper surface of the base, the base and the top case, A slider disposed between the slider, guide means for guiding the slider so as to be slidable in multiple directions on the same plane, and integrally provided on the outer periphery of the slider, and sliding the slider in multiple directions An operation knob, a fixed contact pattern formed on the upper surface of the base, and the fixed contact pattern mounted on the slider A metal brush that moves in multiple directions integrally with the slider, and a base, the top case, the slider, the guide means, and a through portion that vertically penetrates the metal brush, Of the other switches, the operation portion of any one of the switches has a shaft inserted into the penetrating portion, and is installed on the composite switch base via the shaft. .

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch is an upper jog dial disposed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the upper jog dial is rotated via an upper jog shaft composed of the shaft. It may be supported as possible.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch includes an upper jog dial disposed above the multidirectional slide switch and a lower jog dial disposed below the multidirectional slide switch. The upper jog dial is rotatably supported through an upper jog shaft comprising the shaft, and the lower jog dial is rotatably supported through a cylindrical lower jog shaft that surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing means. It may be made up of.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch is a push button disposed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the push button can be pushed via a push shaft including the shaft. It is good also as what is supported by.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the operation portion of the other switch includes an upper jog dial and a push button disposed above the multidirectional slide switch, and the multidirectional slide. A lower jog dial disposed below the switch, and the upper jog dial is rotatably supported via an upper jog shaft composed of the cylindrical shaft, and the push button is supported by the cylindrical shaft. The lower jog dial is supported so as to be rotatable via a cylindrical lower jog shaft that surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing means. Good thing.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the operation unit of the other switch includes a palm rest placed above the multi-directional slide switch, and the palm rest is supported and fixed via the shaft. It may be.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the upper jog switch provided with the upper jog dial as an operation unit is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is coupled to a lower end of the upper jog shaft. And an upper jog rotation plate provided between the upper jog rotation plate and the composite switch base.

  In the composite switch according to the present invention, the lower jog switch having the lower jog dial as an operation unit is rotatably installed on the composite switch base, and is coupled to a lower end of the lower jog shaft. And a lower jog rotation plate that rotates integrally with the lower jog rotation plate and the lower jog rotation plate and the composite switch base.

  In the present invention, as described above, the multi-directional slide switch is provided with a base, a top case, a slider, guide means, and a penetrating portion that penetrates the metal brush in the vertical direction, and using this penetrating portion, A structure is employed in which the operation unit of another switch is arranged above the multidirectional slide switch. For this reason, since the operation parts of other switches that operate separately from the multi-directional slide switch can be centralized in one place, the switch installation panel surface, for example, a vehicle dash It is possible to reduce the number of switch operation units arranged in a plane on the front surface of the board, and there are effects such as improvement of switch operability and simplification of the switch installation panel surface like the front surface of the dashboard.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a switch composite structure and a composite switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. The composite switch S shown in FIG. 1 is a switch in which a plurality of switches such as a multi-directional slide switch S1, an upper jog switch S2, a lower jog switch S3, and a push switch S4 are combined on the composite switch base 1.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the composite switch base 1 used in the composite switch S of FIG. A pair of inner and outer support cylinders 2 and 3 are erected on the upper surface of the composite switch base 1, and the pair of inner and outer support cylinders 2 and 3 are provided concentrically.

  On the upper surface of the composite switch base 1, there are fixed contacts (hereinafter referred to as "upper jog fixed contact 5") constituting the contact portion of the upper jog switch S2 (hereinafter referred to as "upper jog contact portion 4"), and contacts of the lower jog switch. A fixed contact (hereinafter referred to as “lower jog fixed contact 7”) that constitutes a portion (hereinafter referred to as “lower jog contact portion 6”) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lower jog fixed contact 7 has a triple ring pattern. Although not shown, the upper jog fixed contact 5 is also formed of a triple ring-shaped pattern having a smaller diameter than the lower jog fixed contact 7. The lower jog fixed contact 5 and the upper jog fixed contact 7 having such a ring-shaped pattern are both arranged concentrically with the support cylinders 2 and 3 on the upper surface of the composite switch base 1.

  Further, on the upper surface of the composite switch base 1, a push movable contact 9 constituting a contact portion (hereinafter referred to as “push contact portion 8”) of the push switch S4 is provided. The push movable contact 9 is housed in the inner bottom portion of the inner support cylinder 3 and is formed in a dome shape that can be elastically deformed. The dome-shaped push movable contact 9 is arranged with the inner side of the dome as the lower surface.

  A push center fixed contact 10 and a push peripheral fixed contact 11 are provided below the lower surface of the push movable contact 9. The push center fixed contact 10 and the push peripheral fixed contact 11 are both embedded in the composite switch base 1. The push center fixed contact 10 is disposed at a position facing the center of the lower surface of the push movable contact 9 and contacts the push center fixed contact 10 only when the push movable contact 9 is pressed from above and elastically deformed downward. To do. On the other hand, the push peripheral fixed contact 11 is provided so as to always contact the edge of the push movable contact 9.

  The dome-shaped push movable contact 9, the push center fixed contact 10, and the push peripheral fixed contact 11 as described above are the push contact portion 8 of the push switch S4 constituting the composite switch S of FIG. .

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the base 12 of the multidirectional slide switch S1 constituting the composite switch S of FIG. The base 12 is integrally attached and fixed to the composite switch base 1 of FIG. 2 through fixing means. With respect to such fixing means, in this embodiment, an engaging claw 13 is formed to project from the lower surface of the base 12, and an engaging recess 14 (see FIG. 2) is formed on the inner surface of the outer support cylinder 2 on the composite switch base 1. The base 12 is mounted and fixed to the upper end surface of the outer support cylinder 2 by one touch by forming and engaging the engaging claw 13 in the engaging recess 14.

  A fixed contact pattern 15 shown in FIG. 5 is integrally formed on the upper surface of the base 12. The fixed contact pattern 15 is composed of a total of six base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6. Further, these six base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6 are distributed in four directions on the upper surface of the base 12, and are electrically independent from each other.

  Specifically, among the six base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6, the first and second base fixed contact portions 15-1 and 15-2 are vertically arranged in FIG. It consists of a pair of fan-shaped metal pieces arranged side by side, and is arranged at the upper left of the upper surface of the base 12. The third and fourth base fixed contact portions 15-3 and 15-4 are formed of a pair of fan-shaped metal pieces arranged side by side on the right side of the upper surface of the base 12 in FIG. Has been placed. The fifth base fixed contact portion 15-5 is made of a donut-shaped metal piece, and is arranged on the lower left side of the upper surface of the base 12 in FIG. The sixth base fixed contact portion 15-6 is made of a donut-shaped metal piece having the same diameter as that of the fifth fixed contact portion 15-5, and is arranged at the lower right of the upper surface of the base 12 in FIG. Has been.

  Two lateral grooves 16 are formed in the base 12, and these lateral grooves 16 are provided in parallel to each other and are formed long in the left-right lateral direction in FIG. In addition, a cylindrical boss portion 17 projects from the upper surface of the base 12 at the center, and a hole 18 is formed in the center of the base 12 so as to penetrate the front and back surfaces of the base 12.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the guide component 19 of the multi-directional slide switch S1 constituting the composite switch S of FIG. The guide component 19 is formed by integrally forming a pair of bars 19-1 and 19-2 in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions. Specifically, the lattice-shaped guide component 19 has a pair of bars vertically (hereinafter referred to as “a pair of vertical bars 19-1”) positioned in the upper stage, and horizontally below the lower stage of the vertical bars 19-1. A pair of bars (hereinafter referred to as “a pair of horizontal bars 19-2”) are arranged.

  The lattice-shaped guide component 19 is slidably installed on the upper surface of the base 12 as shown in FIG. The installation form is such that the pair of horizontal bars 19-2 of the lattice-shaped guide component 19 are slidably inserted into the pair of horizontal grooves 16 on the upper surface of the corresponding base 12 respectively.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the slider 20 of the multi-directional slide switch S1 constituting the composite switch S shown in FIG. A pair of vertical grooves 21 are formed on the lower surface of the slider 20, and the pair of vertical grooves 21 are formed in parallel to each other and arranged so as to intersect the horizontal grooves 16 on the upper surface of the base 12 at a right angle. .

  Further, a hole 22 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the slider 20 is formed at the center of the slider 20. Further, four projecting pieces 23-1 to 23-4 are integrally formed on the upper surface of the slider 20.

  The four protruding pieces 23-1 to 23-4 as described above are annularly arranged at equal intervals around the hole 22 in the center of the slider 20. Of these four projecting pieces, two projecting pieces 23-1, 23-3 are arranged in the vertical direction in FIG. 8, and the remaining two projecting pieces 23-2, 23-4 are shown in the figure. 8 is arranged in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, among the protrusions 23-1, 23-3 arranged in the vertical direction, the upper one is referred to as “upper protrusion 23-1,” and the lower one is referred to as “lower protrusion 23-3”. That's it. Of the protrusions 23-2 and 23-4 arranged in the lateral direction, the rightward one is referred to as a “right protrusion 23-2” and the leftward one is a “left protrusion 23-4”. That's it.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation knob portion 24 is integrally attached to the outer periphery of the slider 20. The operation knob portion 24 is a switch operation portion for operating the multi-directional slide switch S1, and is used when performing a switch operation for sliding the slider 20 in multiple directions.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the metal brush 25 constituting the multi-directional slide switch S1 of the composite switch S shown in FIG. The metal brush 25 includes four brush contact portions 26-1 to 26-4 facing the base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6 on the upper surface of the base 12, and these four brush contact portions 26-1 to 26-4. It is comprised from the support frame 27 which supports.

  The metal brush 25 having the above structure is integrally mounted on the lower surface of the slider 20 as shown in FIG. As the mounting structure, in the present embodiment, four pins 28 (see FIG. 8) are provided on the lower surface of the slider 20, and pin insertion holes 29 (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the pins 28 are provided on the support frame of the metal brush 25. 27, and the pin 28 is inserted into and fixed to the pin insertion hole 29 so that the metal brush 25 is integrally attached to the lower surface of the slider 20. In this mounting structure, a part of the support frame 27 of the metal brush 25 is accommodated in a frame accommodation groove 30 (see FIG. 8) formed in the bottom surface of the vertical groove 21 on the lower surface of the slider 20.

  The integrated product of the slider 20 and the metal brush 25 as described above is installed on the lattice-shaped guide component 19 as shown in FIG. The installation form is a form in which the pair of vertical bars 19-1 of the lattice-shaped guide component 19 are slidably inserted into the pair of vertical grooves 21 on the lower surface of the corresponding slider 20.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described lattice-shaped guide component 19, the pair of horizontal grooves 16, and the pair of vertical grooves 21 constitute guide means, and the slider 20 can slide in multiple directions on the same plane by the guide means. Guided by

  In FIG. 1, when a force is applied to the slider 20 to slide it up and down in the vertical direction (the front and back direction in FIG. While being guided by the vertical bar 19-1 of the lattice-shaped guide component 19, it slides in the direction of the force. At this time, only the slider 20 independently slides on the vertical bar 19-1 of the lattice-shaped guide part 19 in the vertical direction. When the slider 20 slides in the vertical direction, the horizontal bar 19-2 of the lattice-shaped guide component 19 tends to move at right angles to the horizontal groove 16 on the upper surface of the base 12, so that the horizontal groove 16 and the horizontal bar 19- This is because 2 serves as a stopper to suppress the vertical movement of the entire lattice-shaped guide component 19.

  On the other hand, when a force is applied to the slider 20 to slide it in the horizontal direction (left and right horizontal direction in FIG. 1, arrow C direction in FIG. 12), the slider 20 has its lattice-shaped guide component 19. And slide in the direction of the force. This is because when the slider 20 slides in the lateral direction, the vertical groove 21 on the lower surface of the slider 20 comes into contact with the vertical bar 19-1 of the lattice-shaped guide component 19 at a right angle.

  Further, when a force that slides the slider 20 in an oblique direction (arrows H, F, G, and H in FIG. 15) is applied, the slider 20 slides in the oblique direction. This is because the slider 20 slides in the vertical direction by the above-described principle due to the force component in the diagonal direction, and at the same time, due to the lateral force component in the diagonal force. This is because the slider 20 moves in the horizontal direction according to the above principle, and the horizontal movement and the vertical movement of the slider 20 are combined.

  When the metal brush 25 moves integrally with the slider 20, any two or more brush contact portions 26-1 to 26-4 correspond to the corresponding two or more base fixed contact portions 15-, respectively. Contact 1-15-6.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider 20 is positioned at the center of the base 12. When the slider 20 is positioned as shown in the figure, none of the four brush contact portions 26-1 to 26-4 is in contact with any of the base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6. Specifically, the first brush contact portion 26-1 is located in an insulating portion provided between the first and second base fixed contact portions 15-1 and 15-2, and the second brush contact portion 26. -2 is located in an insulating portion provided between the third and fourth base fixed contact portions 15-3 and 15-4. The 3rd brush contact part 26-3 is located in the insulating part provided in the center of the 5th base fixed contact part 15-5, and the 4th brush contact part 26-4 is the 6th base fixed contact part. It is located in the insulating part provided in the center of 15-6.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider 20 moves in the vertical direction (the direction of arrow A). As shown in FIG. 13, when the slider 20 moves, the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to the corresponding fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15 respectively. Contact -6. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 contacts the first base fixed contact portion 15-1. Therefore, in this case, the first, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-1, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  In FIG. 13, when the slider 20 moves in the direction opposite to the description of FIG. 13 (arrow B direction), the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to each other. The fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15-6 are in contact with each other. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 now contacts the second base fixed contact portion 15-2. Therefore, in this case, the second, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-2, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider 20 moves in the horizontal direction (arrow C direction). As shown in FIG. 14, when the slider 20 moves, the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to the corresponding fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15 respectively. Contact -6. At the same time, the second brush contact portion 26-2 comes into contact with the fourth base fixed contact portion 15-4. Accordingly, in this case, the fourth, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-4, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  In FIG. 14, when the slider 20 moves in the direction opposite to the explanation of FIG. 14 (direction of arrow D), the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond respectively. The fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15-6 are in contact with each other. At the same time, the second brush contact portion 26-2 now contacts the third base fixed contact portion 15-3. Therefore, in this case, the third, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-3, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider 20 moves in an oblique direction (arrow E direction). As shown in FIG. 15, when the slider 20 moves, the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to the corresponding fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5, Contact 15-6. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 is in contact with the first base fixed contact portion 15-1, and the second brush contact portion 26-2 is in contact with the fourth base fixed contact portion 15-4. To touch. Accordingly, in this case, the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-1, 15-4, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  In FIG. 15, when the slider 20 moves in the direction opposite to the description of FIG. 15 (in the direction of the arrow), the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond in the same manner. The fifth and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15-6 are in contact with each other. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 is in contact with the second base fixed contact portion 26-2, and the second brush contact portion 26-2 is in contact with the third base fixed contact portion 15-3. To touch. Therefore, in this case, the second, third, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-2, 15-3, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  In FIG. 12, when the slider 20 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12 (upwardly diagonally to the left in the drawing), the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to the corresponding fifth and The sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15-6 are contacted. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 is in contact with the first base fixed contact portion 15-1, and the second brush contact portion 26-2 is in contact with the third base fixed contact portion 15-3. To touch. Therefore, in this case, the first, third, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-1, 15-3, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  In FIG. 12, when the slider 20 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow H in FIG. 12 (upwardly diagonally to the left in the drawing), the third and fourth brush contact portions 26-3 and 26-4 correspond to the corresponding fifth and The sixth base fixed contact portions 15-5 and 15-6 are contacted. At the same time, the first brush contact portion 26-1 is in contact with the second base fixed contact portion 15-2, and the second brush contact portion 26-2 is in contact with the fourth base fixed contact portion 15-4. To touch. Therefore, in this case, the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth base fixed contact portions 15-2, 15-4, 15-5, and 15-6 are conducted through the metal brush 25.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the top case 31 constituting the multi-directional slide switch S1 of the composite switch S shown in FIG. The top case 31 is disposed on the slider 20 and is integrally attached and fixed to the base 12 via fixing means (see FIG. 1).

  As for the fixing means, an engaging claw 32 is formed on the lower surface of the top case 31 so that the engaging claw 32 is formed inside the boss 17 (see FIG. 4) at the center of the upper surface of the base 12 and the hole 18 at the center of the base 12. (See FIG. 4), the top case 31 protrudes from the lower surface of the base 12 and the engaging claw 32 that protrudes catches on the edge of the hole 18 at the center of the base 12 so that the top case 31 is Adopts a structure that is attached and fixed on the boss 17 at the center of the upper surface of the base 12 by one touch.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram when the composite switch of FIG. 1 is viewed from above. On the outer periphery of the top case 31, notches 33 (see FIG. 16) are provided at four locations. The four notches 33 correspond to the four projecting pieces of the slider 20, that is, the upper projecting piece 23-1, the lower projecting piece 23-3, the right projecting piece 23-2, and the left projecting piece 23-4. The protrusion pieces 23-1 to 23-4 are arranged one by one inside the notches 33. Further, four spring portions 34-1 to 34-4 are attached to the upper surface of the top case 31.

  Of these four spring portions 34-1 to 34-4, the spring portion 34-1 positioned upward in FIG. 16 constantly urges the upper protrusion piece 23-1 of the slider 20 upward from the inside thereof. The spring portion 34-3 positioned in the downward direction is configured to constantly urge the lower projection piece 23-3 of the slider 20 downward from the inside thereof. In FIG. 16, the spring portion 34-2 positioned in the right direction always urges the right protrusion piece 23-2 of the slider 20 leftward from the inside thereof, and the spring portion 34-4 positioned in the left direction is the slider. The 20 right protruding pieces 23-2 are always urged rightward from the inside thereof.

  The slider 20 and the metal brush 25 attached to the lower surface of the slider 20 are normally positioned at the center of the base 12 by the balance of the spring force of the four spring portions 34-1 to 34-4. FIG. 12 described above shows the contact state between the brush contact portions 26-1 to 26-4 of the metal brush 25 and the fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6 of the base 12 at this time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the top case 31 is also provided with a hole 35 in the center thereof.

  As described above, the multi-directional slide switch S1 constituting the composite switch S of FIG. 1 has the top case 31 disposed above the upper surface of the base 12 as shown in FIG. Between the slider 20 and the base 12, a slider-like guide component 19 and guide means including vertical grooves 21 and horizontal grooves 16 are provided. Further, a metal brush 25 is integrally mounted on the lower surface of the slider 20, and this metal brush 25 faces the fixed contact pattern 15 (base fixed contact portions 15-1 to 15-6) on the upper surface of the base 12. The slider 20 is configured to move in multiple directions.

  By the way, the multi-directional slide switch S1 constituting the composite switch S of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the penetrating portion 36 penetrates the base 12, the top case 31, the slider 20, the metal brush 25 and the guide means in a straight line in the vertical direction. Specifically, the through portion 36 includes (1) a hole 35 in the center of the top case 31, (2) a hole 22 in the center of the slider 20, (3) a central space of the support frame 27 of the metal brush 25, and (4) a guide means. (5) The hole 18 in the center of the base 12 and the inner space of the boss portion 17 are formed so as to overlap in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the composite switch S of FIG. 1 operates the operation unit (operation knob unit 24) of the multi-directional slide switch S1 having the above structure and the operation of other switches operating separately from the multi-directional slide switch S1. A composite structure in which the components are arranged in multiple layers on the composite switch base 1 is adopted.

  The operation section of the switch includes (1) an upper jog dial 38 disposed above the multidirectional slide switch S1 as an operation section of the upper jog switch S2, and (2) a multidirectional slide switch S1 as an operation section of the lower jog switch S3. And a push button 40 disposed above the multi-directional slide switch S1 as an operation unit of the push switch S4.

  The upper jog dial 38 is formed in a ring shape larger in diameter than the top case 31 and has a shape that accommodates the upper end portion of the top case 31 inside the ring. The upper jog dial 38 has a cylindrical shaft (hereinafter, referred to as “upper jog shaft 41”) formed integrally therewith. The upper jog shaft 41 is inserted into the through portion 36 of the multidirectional slide switch S1. The upper end of the upper jog shaft 41 is integrally fixed to the center of the lower surface of the upper jog dial 38, and the lower end of the upper jog shaft 41 is rotatably disposed on the composite switch base 1. With such an axis configuration of the upper jog shaft 41, the upper jog dial 38 is installed on the composite switch base 1 via the upper jog shaft 41 and is rotatably supported via the upper jog shaft 41.

  An upper jog rotation plate 42 is attached to the lower end of the upper jog shaft 41. The upper jog rotation plate 42 is directly installed on the composite switch base 1 so as to be rotatable. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical boss 43 is provided at the center of the upper jog rotation plate 42 as a structure for attaching the upper jog rotation plate 42 to the lower end of the upper jog shaft 41. This cylindrical boss 43 is inserted into the lower end inner surface of the upper jog shaft 41 so as to be fitted. Accordingly, the upper jog rotation plate 42 is connected to the lower end of the upper jog shaft 41 and rotates integrally with the upper jog shaft 41. Further, the boss portion 43 of the upper jog rotation plate 42 is rotatably inserted and mounted on the outer periphery of the inner support cylinder 3 on the composite switch base 1. With this insertion mounting structure, the upper jog rotation plate 42, the upper jog shaft 41, and the upper jog dial 38 can rotate stably with the inner support cylinder 3 as the rotation center.

  An upper jog rotation contact 44 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the lower surface of the upper jog rotation plate 42. The upper jog rotation contact 44 is provided at a position that can be opposed to and contact the upper jog fixed contact 5 of the composite switch base 1. The contact portion (upper jog contact portion) of the upper jog switch S2 is located between the upper jog rotation plate 42 and the composite switch base 1, and the upper jog rotation contact 44 and the upper jog fixed contact 5 as described above. It is comprised by.

  The lower jog dial 39 is formed in a ring shape larger in diameter than the outer support cylinder 2 of the composite switch base 1 and has a shape that accommodates the upper half of the outer periphery of the outer support cylinder 2 inside the ring. The lower jog dial 39 has a shaft (hereinafter, referred to as “lower jog shaft 45”) formed integrally therewith. The lower jog shaft 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a larger diameter than the outer support cylinder 2 of the composite switch base 1, and has a shape that accommodates the entire fixing means of the base 12 including the outer support cylinder 2 inside the cylinder. It has become. The upper end of the lower jog shaft 45 is fixed to the center of the lower surface of the lower jog dial 39, and the lower end of the lower jog shaft 45 is rotatably disposed on the composite switch base 1. Due to the shaft configuration of the lower jog shaft 45, the lower jog dial 39 is installed on the composite switch base 1 via the lower jog shaft 45 and is rotatably supported via the lower jog shaft 45.

  A lower jog rotation plate 46 is attached to the lower end of the lower jog shaft 45. The lower jog rotation plate 46 is directly installed on the composite switch base 1 so as to be rotatable. In this embodiment, a cylindrical boss portion 47 is provided at the center of the lower jog rotation plate 46 as a mounting structure of the lower jog rotation plate 46 at the lower end of the lower jog shaft 45, and the boss portion 47 is provided on the lower jog shaft. The structure of being inserted into the lower end inner surface of 45 and fitting is adopted. Accordingly, the lower jog rotation plate 46 is connected to the lower end of the lower jog shaft 45 and rotates integrally with the lower jog shaft 45. Further, the boss portion 47 of the lower jog rotation plate 46 is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the outer support cylinder 2 of the composite switch base 1. By adopting such a mounting structure, the lower jog rotation plate 46, the lower jog shaft 45, and the lower jog dial 39 can be stably rotated with the outer support cylinder 2 as the rotation center.

  A lower jog rotation contact 48 is attached to the lower surface of the lower jog rotation plate 46. The lower jog rotation contact 48 is provided at a position where it can face and contact the lower jog fixed contact 7 of the composite switch base 1. The contact portion (upper jog contact portion) of the lower jog switch S3 is located between the lower jog rotation plate 46 and the composite switch base 1, and the lower jog rotation contact 48 and the lower jog fixed contact 7 as described above. It is comprised by.

  A concave portion (hereinafter referred to as “upper jog concave portion 49”) is provided at the center of the upper surface of the upper jog dial 38. The bottom surface of the upper jog recess 49 is provided with a hole (hereinafter referred to as “upper jog hole”; reference numeral omitted) and a boss portion (hereinafter referred to as “upper jog boss portion 50”). The upper jog hole as described above is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the recess 49 and communicates with the inner side of the upper jog shaft 41. Further, the upper jog boss portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the upper jog hole as described above. In the present embodiment, the push button 40 is arranged in the upper jog recess 49.

  The push button 40 has a shaft (hereinafter referred to as a “push shaft 51”) formed integrally therewith. The push shaft 51 is slidably inserted vertically into the upper jog shaft 41 through the inner side of the upper jog boss portion 50 and the upper jog hole. The upper end of the push shaft 51 is fixed to the center of the lower surface of the push button 40. On the other hand, the lower end of the push shaft 51 is disposed on the composite switch base 1 via the push movable contact 9. With such a shaft configuration of the push shaft 51, the push button 40 is installed on the composite switch base 1 via the push shaft 51 and supported so as to be pushable via the push shaft 51.

  When the push button 40 is pressed, the push button 40 sinks with the pressing force, and the push shaft 51 slides downward along with this. Thereby, the push movable contact 9 is pushed at the lower end of the push shaft 51 and elastically deforms downward. Then, the elastically deformed center portion of the push movable contact 9 comes into contact with the push center fixed contact 10. Thereby, the push peripheral fixed contact 11 and the push center fixed contact 10 are electrically connected via the push movable contact 9.

  When the pressing force of the push button 40 is lost, the push movable contact 9 that has been deformed so far returns elastically. As a result, the push movable contact 9 is separated from the push center fixed contact 10, whereby the conduction state between the push peripheral fixed contact 11 and the push center fixed contact 10 is released. Further, due to the elastic restoring force, the push shaft 51 is pushed upward and slides, whereby the push button 40 is lifted to the original position before being pushed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the upper jog dial 38 that is the operation unit of the upper jog switch S2 and the push button 40 that is the operation unit of the push switch S4 are arranged above the multi-directional slide switch S1. Instead of the upper jog dial 38 and the push button 40, a palm rest (not shown) may be provided. This palm mounting table is used as a table on which a palm is placed when operating the operation knob unit 24 which is an operation unit of the multi-directional slide switch S1 and the lower jog dial 39 which is an operation unit of the lower jog switch S3. In this case, a shaft is provided on the lower surface of the palm mounting table, the upper end of the shaft is fixed integrally with the lower surface of the palm mounting table, and the lower end of the shaft is fixed to the upper surface of the composite switch base 1. And

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the multi-directional slide switch S1 in which eight different conduction states are obtained has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. With respect to the multi-directional slide switch S1, eight or more different conductive states can be obtained by appropriately changing the number of brush contact portions, the arrangement position thereof, the number of base fixed contact portions, the shape thereof, the arrangement position, and the like. You may comprise.

  According to the composite switch S and the switch composite structure of the embodiment described above, the base 12, the top case 31, the slider 20, the guide means (reference number omitted), and the metal brush 25 are vertically passed through the multi-directional slide switch S1. A through portion 36 is provided. Using this through portion 36, an operation portion of another switch, specifically, an upper jog dial 38 or a push switch S4 is provided above the multidirectional slide switch S1. The push button 40 is arranged. For this reason, the operation parts (38, 40) of other switches (S2, S4) operating separately from the multi-directional slide switch S1 around the multi-directional slide switch S1 can be concentrated in one place in three dimensions. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of switch operation parts arranged in a plane on the dashboard of the vehicle, for example, on the front of the dashboard of the vehicle, improving the switch operability and improving the switch installation panel surface such as the front of the dashboard. There is an effect of simplification.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a switch composite structure and a composite switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite switch base used in the composite switch of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a lower jog fixed contact provided on the composite switch base of FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a base of the multi-directional slide switch constituting the composite switch of FIG. 1, wherein (a) is a front view of the base, (b) is a plan view of the base, and (c) is a side view of the base. (D) is a back view of the base, (e) is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line EE of (a), and (f) is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line FF of (a). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a fixed contact pattern provided on the base of FIG. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of guide parts constituting the multi-directional slide switch of the composite switch shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 6A is a front view of the guide parts, FIG. 6B is a plan view of the guide parts, and FIG. A side view of the guide component, (d) is a back view of the guide component. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the base and the guide when viewed from above the upper surface of the base. 8A and 8B are explanatory views of the slider of the multi-directional slide switch constituting the composite switch shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 8A is a front view of the slider, FIG. (D) is a slider sectional view taken along the line DD of (a), and (f) is an explanatory view of the uneven state on the back surface of the slider. 9 is an explanatory view of a metal brush constituting the multi-directional slide switch of the composite switch shown in FIG. 1, wherein (a) is a rear view of the metal brush, and (b) is a side view of the metal brush. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the slider and the brush as viewed from below the lower surface of the slider. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship among the slider, the brush, and the guide component when viewed from below the lower surface of the slider. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a contact state between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider is located at the center of the base. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider moves in the vertical direction (the direction of arrow A). FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider moves in the horizontal direction (arrow C direction). FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a contact pattern between the brush contact portion and the base fixed contact portion when the slider moves in an oblique direction (arrow E direction). 16 is an explanatory view of a top case constituting the multi-directional slide switch of the composite switch shown in FIG. 1, wherein (a) is a front view of the top case, (b) is a plan view of the top case, and (c) is (A) CC sectional view, (d) is a side view of a top case, (e) is a back view of a top case. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram when the composite switch of FIG. 1 is viewed from above. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a through portion included in the composite switch shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Composite switch base 2 Outer support cylinder 3 Inner support cylinder 4 Upper jog contact part 5 Upper jog fixed contact 6 Lower jog contact part 7 Lower jog fixed contact 8 Push contact part 9 Push movable contact 10 Push center fixed contact 11 Push peripheral fixed contact 12 Base 13 Engaging Claw 14 Engaging Recess 15 Fixed Contact Patterns 15-1 to 15-6 Base Fixed Contact Part 16 Horizontal Groove 17 Base Center Boss 18 Base Center Hole 19 Grid-shaped Guide Component 19-1 Vertical Bar 19- 2 Horizontal bar 20 Slider 21 Vertical groove 22 Center hole 23-1 to 23-4 Projection piece 24 Operation knob 25 Metal brush 26-1 to 26-4 Brush contact 27 Support frame 28 Pin 29 Pin insertion hole 30 Frame Housing groove 31 Top case 32 Engagement claw 33 Notch 34-1 to 34-4 Spring part 35 Top case center hole 36 Through part 8 Upper jog dial 39 Lower jog dial 40 Push button 41 Upper jog shaft 42 Upper jog rotation plate 43 Boss portion 44 of upper jog rotation plate Upper jog movable contact 45 Lower jog shaft 46 Lower jog rotation plate 47 Lower jog rotation plate Boss part 48 Lower jog movable contact 49 Upper jog recess 50 Upper jog boss part 51 Push shaft S Composite switch S1 Multi-directional slide switch S2 Upper jog switch S3 Lower jog switch S4 Push switch

Claims (16)

A switch composite structure in which an operation part of a multi-directional slide switch and an operation part of another switch that operates separately from the multi-directional slide switch are arranged in multiple layers on a composite switch base,
The multi-directional slide switch
Base and
Fixing means for fixing the base on the composite switch base;
A top case disposed above the upper surface of the base;
A slider disposed between the base and the top case;
Guide means for guiding the slider to be slidable in multiple directions on the same plane;
An operation knob unit provided integrally with the outer periphery of the slider as the operation unit, and for sliding the slider in multiple directions;
A fixed contact pattern formed on the upper surface of the base;
A metal brush that is mounted on the slider and faces the fixed contact pattern and moves in multiple directions integrally with the slider;
The base, the top case, the slider, the guide means, and a penetrating portion that vertically penetrates the metal brush,
The operation part of any one of the other switches is
A switch composite structure having a shaft inserted into the penetrating portion and installed on the composite switch base via the shaft. The operation part of the other switches
The upper jog dial is located above the multi-directional slide switch.
The upper jog dial
The switch composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the switch composite structure is rotatably supported via an upper jog shaft composed of the shaft. The operation part of the other switches
An upper jog dial disposed above the multi-directional slide switch;
A lower jog dial disposed below the multi-directional slide switch,
The upper jog dial
It is supported rotatably via the upper jog shaft consisting of the above shaft,
The lower jog dial
2. The switch composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the switch composite structure is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft surrounding an outer periphery of the fixing means. The operation part of the other switches
The push button is located above the multi-directional slide switch,
The above push button
The switch composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the switch composite structure is supported so as to be pushable through a push shaft including the shaft. The shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape,
The operation part of the other switches
An upper jog dial and a push button disposed above the multi-directional slide switch;
A lower jog dial disposed below the multi-directional slide switch,
The upper jog dial
It is supported rotatably via an upper jog shaft composed of the above cylindrical shaft,
The above push button
It is supported so that it can be pushed through a push shaft that is slidably inserted inside the cylindrical shaft.
The lower jog dial
2. The switch composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the switch composite structure is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft surrounding an outer periphery of the fixing means. The operation part of the other switches
It consists of a palm rest placed above the multi-directional slide switch,
The palm table is
The switch composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the switch composite structure is supported and fixed via the shaft. The upper jog switch having the upper jog dial as an operation unit is
An upper jog rotation plate that is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is connected to a lower end of the upper jog shaft, and rotates integrally with the upper jog shaft;
The switch composite structure according to claim 2, further comprising an upper jog contact portion provided between the upper jog rotation plate and the composite switch base. The lower jog switch equipped with the lower jog dial as an operation unit
A lower jog rotation plate that is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is coupled to the lower end of the lower jog shaft, and rotates integrally with the lower jog shaft;
The switch composite structure according to any one of claims 3 and 5, further comprising a lower jog contact portion provided between the lower jog rotation plate and the composite switch base. A composite switch in which a multi-directional slide switch and other switches operating separately from the multi-directional slide switch are arranged in multiple layers on a composite switch base,
The multi-directional slide switch
Base and
Fixing means for fixing the base on the composite switch base;
A top case disposed above the upper surface of the base;
A slider disposed between the base and the top case;
Guide means for guiding the slider to be slidable in multiple directions on the same plane;
An operation knob provided integrally on the outer periphery of the slider, and slidably moving the slider in multiple directions;
A fixed contact pattern formed on the upper surface of the base;
A metal brush that is mounted on the slider and faces the fixed contact pattern and moves in multiple directions integrally with the slider;
The base, the top case, the slider, the guide means, and a penetrating portion that vertically penetrates the metal brush,
The operation part of any one of the other switches is
A composite switch having a shaft inserted into the penetrating portion and installed on the composite switch base via the shaft. The operation part of the other switches
The upper jog dial is located above the multi-directional slide switch.
The upper jog dial
The composite switch according to claim 9, wherein the composite switch is rotatably supported via an upper jog shaft composed of the shaft. The operation part of the other switches
An upper jog dial disposed above the multi-directional slide switch;
A lower jog dial disposed below the multi-directional slide switch,
The upper jog dial
It is supported rotatably via the upper jog shaft consisting of the above shaft,
The lower jog dial
The composite switch according to claim 9, wherein the composite switch is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft that surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing means. The operation part of the other switches
The push button is located above the multi-directional slide switch,
The above push button
The composite switch according to claim 9, wherein the composite switch is supported so as to be pushable via a push shaft including the shaft. The shaft is formed in a cylindrical shape,
The operation part of the other switches
An upper jog dial and a push button disposed above the multi-directional slide switch;
A lower jog dial disposed below the multi-directional slide switch,
The upper jog dial
It is supported rotatably via the upper jog shaft consisting of the above shaft,
The above push button
It is supported so as to be pushable via a push shaft that is slidably inserted into the inner hollow portion of the shaft,
The lower jog dial
The composite switch according to claim 9, wherein the composite switch is rotatably supported via a cylindrical lower jog shaft that surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing means. The operation part of the other switches
It consists of a palm rest placed above the multi-directional slide switch,
The palm table is
The composite switch according to claim 9, wherein the composite switch is supported and fixed via the shaft. The upper jog switch having the upper jog dial as an operation unit is
An upper jog rotation plate that is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is connected to a lower end of the upper jog shaft, and rotates integrally with the upper jog shaft;
14. The composite switch according to claim 10, further comprising an upper jog contact portion provided between the upper jog rotation plate and the composite switch base. The lower jog switch equipped with the lower jog dial as an operation unit
A lower jog rotation plate that is rotatably installed on the composite switch base and is coupled to the lower end of the lower jog shaft, and rotates integrally with the lower jog shaft;
14. The composite switch according to claim 11, further comprising a lower jog contact portion provided between the lower jog rotation plate and the composite switch base.

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