JP2011150962A - Switch knob and switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect a switch knob to a switch element, while reducing a gap between the switch knob and a holding member. <P>SOLUTION: The switch device includes a switch element 30 having an operating shaft (displacement part) 34 capable of displacing in a specific direction, a switch knob 10 which pressing operates the operating shaft 34, and a holding member 20 which holds this. The switch knob 10 includes a knob body 12 which is held by the holding member 20 so that it may be displaced in a pressing operation direction and receives a pressing operation in the pressing operation direction, and a pair of engagement pieces 17 which transmit a pressing operation force to the operating shaft 34 and displace the operating shaft 34. The both engagement pieces 17 have an engagement part 17a which is engaged with the operating shaft 34 and displaces integrally with the operating shaft 34 and a connection 17b which connects the engagement part 17a and the knob body 12 and has a shape to elastic deform in the same direction so as to allow the engagement part 17a and the knob body 12 to be relatively displaced in a direction to cross at right angles the pressing operating direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch knob that receives a pressing operation for switching a switch element and a switch device including the switch knob.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vehicle hazard switch or the like, for example, a switch device incorporating a push lock mechanism as described in Patent Document 1 is known. This switch device includes a switch knob that receives a pressing operation (a push button in the same document), a movable member to which the switch knob is fixed, and a holding member that holds the movable member slidably in the pressing operation direction (first, Second fixing member). Each of the movable member and the holding member has a contact point and is connected to each other via a push lock mechanism including a heart cam and a lock pin. The position is switched each time the switch knob receives a pressing force. The contacts are opened and closed with the switching.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-320387

  In recent years, in constructing the switch device as described above, a switch element that is mounted on a substrate and outputs a detection signal is used, and a mechanism having a mechanism equivalent to the push lock mechanism is incorporated as the switch element in advance. The one using is developed. The switch element has an operation shaft, and the position is switched each time the operation shaft receives a pressing force, and the switch is turned on / off.

  As described above, in the device in which the switch element itself includes the push lock mechanism, it is not necessary to add a separate push lock mechanism to the outside of the switch element, and the structure is simplified correspondingly. For example, when a switch device such as a hazard switch as described above is configured using a switch element including such a push lock mechanism, the switch element mounted on the substrate is pressed in the axial direction thereof. A switch knob to be operated may be connected, and the switch knob may be slidably held in the axial direction by a holding member.

  However, in such a type of switch device, the following problems arise with respect to the connection between the switch element and the switch knob. That is, in the switch device using the switch element, an assembly error occurs with respect to the relative position between the substrate on which the switch element is mounted and the holding member that holds the switch knob. On the other hand, the switch knob must be connected to the operation shaft so that it can be displaced integrally with the operation shaft. Therefore, when the above assembly error occurs, the connection between the switch knob and the operation shaft is hindered. It is conceivable that the operation shaft connected to the switch knob is subjected to unnecessary force, thereby causing malfunction or breakage of the switch element. Such inconvenience can occur in the same manner due to variations in the dimensional accuracy of each part.

  In order to enable the switch knob to be connected to the switch element and to be held by the holding member without such inconvenience, the outer surface of the switch knob and the inner surface of the holding member It is conceivable to secure a gap for absorbing the error during the period. However, it is not always a good idea to set the gap large because it causes a backlash of the switch knob.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention connects the switch knob to the switch element without inconvenience regardless of variations in the relative positions of the holding member and the switch element, while keeping the gap between the switch knob and the holding member small. The purpose is to be able to.

  The present invention for solving the above-described problems is connected to the displacement portion of the switch element having a displacement portion that is displaceable in a specific direction, and receives a pressing operation in a pressing operation direction parallel to the displacement direction of the displacement portion. A switch knob held by a holding member so as to be capable of being held in the holding member so as to be displaceable in the pressing operation direction and receiving a pressing operation in the pressing operation direction; An engagement portion that engages with the displacement portion of the switch element and is integrally displaced with the displacement portion, connects the engagement portion and the knob body, and engages the engagement portion in a direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction. The coupling portion and the knob main body portion have a connecting portion that is elastically deformed in the same direction so as to allow relative displacement.

  In addition, the present invention is a switch device having a displacement portion that is displaceable in a specific direction, and a switch element that is coupled to the switch knob by engaging an engagement portion of the switch knob with the displacement portion. And a holding member for holding the knob body so that the knob body of the switch knob can be displaced in a pressing operation direction parallel to the displacement direction of the displacement part.

  In the switch knob and the switch device including the switch knob, even if there is an error in the relative position between the switch element and the holding member (error in the direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction), the error is detected in the switch knob. Absorption can be achieved by relative displacement between the knob body and the engaging portion. Therefore, it is possible to connect the switch knob to the displacement portion of the switch element without any inconvenience without securing a large gap between the switch knob and the holding member.

  In the present invention, in particular, each time the switching element receives a pressing force in the displacement direction, the position of the displacement part moves away from the first switching position and the first switching position in the displacement direction. This is effective when the push lock switch is switched to the second switching position. In this case, the switch knob needs to be engaged with the displacement portion so that the switch knob is displaced in the displacement direction integrally with the displacement portion. Since the relative displacement between the joint portions can hardly be expected, it is very effective to absorb the error of the relative position between the switch element and the holding member by the relative displacement between the engaging portion and the knob main body portion.

  As a more specific configuration of the switch knob, for example, the knob main body portion has connected portions at positions on both sides of the engaging portion in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction. It is preferable that the connecting portions are interposed between the engaging portions. In this configuration, the pressing operation force received by the knob main body is transmitted from both sides with respect to the displacement portion. Therefore, while allowing the relative displacement between the engaging portion and the knob main body portion, it is possible to stably transmit the pressing operation force received by the knob main body portion to the displacement portion and appropriately displace the displacement portion. Become.

  Note that in the switch knob having a hollow shape having a pressed wall on which the knob main body receives a pressing operation and a side wall extending in the pressing operation direction from the periphery of the pressed wall, the engaging portion is the knob main body. The connected portion may be formed on the outer surface of the side wall. According to this configuration, in the case where the switch element is arranged at a position outside the side wall of the knob main body, the switch knob and the displacement part of the switch element are connected while enjoying the above-described action. Is possible. According to such a switch knob, for example, as a switch device, the switch knob has a displacement portion that can be displaced in a specific direction, and the engagement portion of the switch knob is engaged with the displacement portion so that the switch A switch element coupled to the knob, a holding member that holds the knob body so that the knob body of the switch knob can be displaced in a pressing operation direction parallel to a displacement direction of the displacement part, and the switch knob A light source that emits light in response to opening and closing of the contact of the switch element, and the switch element is disposed at a position outside the side wall of the knob body part, When the engaging portion of the front switch knob is engaged with the displacement portion, it is possible to construct one connected to the switch knob.

  Further, the knob main body portion is configured so that the pressing operation is permitted while relative displacement in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction is allowed with respect to the displacement portion in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the displacement portion of the switch element. It is preferable to have a contact portion that contacts the displacement portion along a direction parallel to the direction. In this configuration, apart from the engaging portion and the connecting portion, the pressing operation force received by the knob body portion is directly transmitted from the knob body portion to the displacement portion via the contact portion. Therefore, the pressing operation force is more reliably transmitted to the displacement portion without being affected by deformation of the connecting portion.

  The switch knob as described above may have a configuration in which all or a part of the knob main body portion, the engaging portion, and the connecting portion are formed separately and assembled to each other. According to the configuration in which the main body portion, the engaging portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed of the same material, it is advantageous in increasing the productivity of the switch knob.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an error in the relative position between the holding member and the switch element can be absorbed by the relative displacement between the knob main body portion and the engaging portion in the switch knob. The switch knob can be connected to the switch element without inconvenience while keeping the gap with the member small.

It is a top view which shows the switch apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view (an exterior panel is shown with a virtual line) which shows a switch device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a switch apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 1) which shows a switch apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 1) which shows a switch apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 5 schematically show a switch device according to the present invention. The switch device shown in this figure includes a switch knob 10 and its holding member 20, a circuit board 40 on which the switch element 30 is mounted, and an exterior panel 50 covering the whole.

  The switch element 30 is a so-called push-lock switch, and includes a main body portion 32 mounted on the circuit board 40 and an operation shaft 34 (corresponding to a displacement portion of the present invention) held by the main body portion 32. The operation shaft 34 is displaceable with respect to the main body 32 in the axial direction of the operation shaft 34, in this example, in a direction parallel to the normal direction of the circuit board 40. 2 and 4 and the first switching position, and the first switching position, the main body 32 is immersed in the first switching position (that is, closer to the circuit board 40 along the axial direction). It is switched alternately to the second switching position. By this switching, the contact in the main body 32 is opened and closed.

  Note that a light emitting element 36 (corresponding to the light source of the present invention) such as an LED is mounted on the circuit board 40, and this lights up in response to the position switching of the operation shaft 34. The light emitting element 36 is disposed at a position inside the side wall 12b described later of the switch knob 10. In this example, the light emitting element 36 is lit so that the operation shaft 34 is turned on to the second switching position. Connected to the upper circuit.

  The holding member 20 holds the switch knob 10 so that the switch knob 10 can be displaced in a pressing operation direction parallel to the displacement direction of the operation shaft 34, and is superposed on the circuit board 40. Yes.

  When the switch knob 10 receives a pressing operation with a finger or the like from the outside of the exterior panel 50, the switch knob 10 is displaced in the pressing operation direction, that is, in a direction parallel to the displacement direction of the operation shaft 34, and the pressing operation force is applied to the switch knob 10. This is transmitted to the operation shaft 34 of the element 30. For this purpose, the switch knob 10 is held by the holding member 20 so as to be slidable in the pressing operation direction.

  The switch knob 10 is exposed from the exterior panel 50 and receives the pressing operation, and the pressing operation force received by the knob main body 12 is transmitted to the operating shaft 34 of the switch element 30 to transmit the operating shaft 34. And a pair of engaging pieces 17 that are displaced in the axial direction, and the knob body 12 and both engaging pieces 17 are integrally formed of the same material.

  The knob body 12 has a hollow shape having an operated wall 12a that receives the pressing operation and a side wall 12b that extends in the pressing operation direction from a peripheral edge of the operated wall 12a. The side wall 12b has a substantially rectangular tube shape and has an outer surface parallel to the pressing operation direction. A pair of parallel ribs 13 (corresponding to the connected portion of the present invention) that protrude from the side surface and extend in a direction parallel to the pressing operation direction are formed on one side surface of the side wall 12b. The pair of engaging pieces 17 are provided on the inner side. On the other hand, the holding member 20 has a guide wall 24 that surrounds the side wall 12b of the knob body 12 from three sides except the side surface on which the parallel ribs 13 are provided and has an inner side surface substantially parallel to the outer side surface. The knob body 12 is fitted inside the guide wall 24 so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the pressing operation direction.

  The outer surface of each parallel rib 13 of the knob main body 12 and the outer surface of the side wall 12b opposite to the outer surface where the parallel rib 13 is provided protrude from the outer surface, respectively, in the pressing operation direction. A guide convex portion 14 extending in the direction is formed. On the other hand, the guide wall 24 of the holding member 20 is formed with guide grooves 26 extending in the pressing operation direction corresponding to the guide convex portions 14, and each guide convex portion 14 corresponds to the corresponding guide groove. 26 is inserted.

  The pair of engaging pieces 17 of the switch knob 10 are arranged on the left and right sides of the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 disposed outside the side wall 12b of the knob body 12 and between the parallel ribs 13. Between the parallel ribs 13 so as to be held inward.

  Each engagement piece 17 engages with the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 and is displaced integrally with the operation shaft 34, and the engagement portion 17a and the parallel rib 13 (that is, the knob main body portion). 12) and a connecting portion 17b. In this example, the engaging portion 17a extends in the pressing operation direction so as to sandwich the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 from both the left and right sides, and the connecting portion 17b is connected to the upper end (circuit board) of the engaging portion 17a. By forming the connecting ribs 17 and the parallel ribs 13 so as to be connected to each other, the engaging pieces 17 have a substantially inverted L shape as a whole (FIG. 4). reference).

  An inward projection 17 c is formed at the tip of the engagement portion 17 a of each engagement piece 17, while a groove 34 a that can be engaged with the projection 17 c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation shaft 34. . Due to this engagement, the operation shaft 34 and the switch knob 10 are connected to each other via both engagement pieces 17 so as to be displaced together.

  Of the engaging pieces 17, the connecting portion 17 b is the knob main body portion 12 and the engaging portion in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction, in this example, in a direction parallel to the direction in which the engaging pieces 17 are arranged. It has a shape that can be elastically deformed in the same direction so as to allow relative displacement with respect to 17a. Specifically, the connecting portion 17b has a shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the same direction while being bent one or more times in the pressing operation direction at a position between the engaging portion 17a and the parallel rib 13. In this example, the connecting portion 17b is formed so as to meander with respect to the line segment in the orthogonal direction.

  The knob body 12 abuts against the operation shaft 34 along a direction parallel to the pressing operation direction while allowing relative displacement in a direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction with respect to the operation shaft 34. A contact portion 18 is provided. The abutting portion 18 is formed of a rib projecting on the outer surface of the side wall 12b so as to be interposed between the engaging pieces 17. The abutment portion 18 abuts on the distal end surface (upper end surface in FIG. 2) of the operation shaft 34 in a state where each engagement piece 17 (engagement portion 17a) is engaged with the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30. On the other hand, the tip surface of the operation shaft 34 is a flat surface orthogonal to the pressing operation direction. With this configuration, the pressing operation force received by the operated wall 12 a of the knob main body 12 is transmitted to the operation shaft 34 via the contact portion 18 separately from the engagement piece 17.

  The exterior panel 50 has a hollow shape having a ceiling wall 52 in which an opening 52a is formed and a side wall 54 extending from the peripheral edge of the exterior panel 50 in the pressing operation direction, and the switch knob 10 (the operation wall of the knob main body 12). 12a) is placed on the switch knob 10, the holding member 20, and the circuit board 40 so as to face the outside through the opening 52a. Specifically, the side wall 54 of the exterior panel 50 has a substantially square cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the holding member 20 has a rectangular shape in which the outer surface shape of the one end portion coincides with the inner surface shape of the side wall 54 by the flange 22 formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end portion (one end portion on the circuit board 40 side). The outer surface shape of the circuit board 40 is also a quadrangular shape that matches the inner surface shape of the side wall 54. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the exterior panel 50 is put on the circuit board 40 and the like so as to be fitted onto the holding member 20 (the flange 22 portion) and the circuit board 40.

  In the switch device as described above, the knob main body portion 12 of the switch knob 10 and the engagement portion 17a that engages with the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 are perpendicular to the pressing operation direction (the engagement piece 17 of the engagement piece 17). Since the relative displacement between the holding member 20 and the switch element 30 has a slight error (error in the alignment direction of the engagement pieces 17), Absorption can be achieved by relative displacement between the knob body 12 and the engaging portion 17a. Further, in the direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction and orthogonal to the alignment direction of the engagement pieces 17, the engagement positions of the engagement portions 17 a (protrusions 17 c) of both engagement pieces 17 are set to the operation. By shifting along the groove 34 a of the shaft 34, an error in the relative position between the holding member 20 and the switch element 30 can be absorbed. Therefore, according to this switch device, the gap between the knob body 12 and the holding member 20 is suppressed as much as possible, and the switch knob 10 and the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 are connected to each other regardless of the error (variation). Can be connected without inconvenience.

  In addition, in this switch device, the connecting portion 17b is interposed between the operation shaft 34 and the engaging portion 17a engaged therewith, and the parallel ribs 13 (knob body portion 12). Therefore, the pressing operation force received by the knob body 12 is transmitted from both sides of the operation shaft 34. In particular, in this switch device, the abutment portion 18 that transmits the pressing operation force received by the knob body portion 12 by abutting the operation shaft 34 to the operation shaft 34 separately from the engagement piece 17 is provided in the knob body portion. 12, the pressing operation force received by the knob body 12 can be reliably transmitted to the operation shaft 34 regardless of the deformation of the connecting portion 17b. Therefore, according to this switch device, while allowing the relative displacement between the engaging portion 17a and the knob main body portion 12, the pressing operation force received by the knob main body portion 12 is stably transmitted to the operation shaft 34, and There is also an advantage that the operation shaft 34 can be appropriately displaced.

  The switch device described above is an example of a preferred embodiment of the switch device according to the present invention (the switch device to which the switch knob according to the present invention is applied), and the specific configuration thereof does not depart from the gist of the present invention. It can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the switch device of the above-described embodiment, the switch knob 10 has a configuration in which the engagement piece 17 is provided on the outside thereof, that is, on the outside of the side wall 12b of the knob main body 12. 10, the engagement piece 17 is provided on the inner surface of the knob main body 12, specifically, the engagement piece 17 is formed on the back surface of the operated wall 12 a or the inner surface of the side wall 12 b. May be. For example, in the configuration of the switch device, when it is not necessary to arrange the light emitting element 36 as described above inside the switch knob 10, a switch knob 10 having an engagement piece 17 inside is applied. After the switch element 30 is disposed inside the switch knob 10, the switch knob 10 and the switch element 30 may be coupled at a position inside the switch knob 10.

  Further, a portion for connecting the switch knob 10 and the operation shaft 34 includes an engagement portion that engages with the operation shaft 34 and is displaced integrally with the operation shaft 34, and the engagement portion and the knob main body portion 12. And a connecting portion having a shape that is elastically deformed in the same direction so as to allow relative displacement of the engaging portion and the knob main body portion 12 in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction. For example, it is not limited to the pair of engaging pieces 17 as described above, and other shapes can be applied. For example, a shape in which the engagement piece 17 is integrated, that is, a single engagement portion that covers the distal end portion of the operation shaft 34, and this engagement portion is elastically deformable to connect the knob main body portion 12 on both sides thereof. The structure which provided the connection part may be sufficient.

  The switch device of the present invention is not limited to the independent configuration in which the switch knob 10, the holding member 20, the switch element 30, and the like are incorporated in the box-shaped exterior panel 50 as described above, and faces the vehicle interior of the vehicle. The structure incorporated in the operation panel (instrument panel) etc. which were provided in this way is also included. In this configuration, for example, the holding member 20 is integrally formed on the rear side of the operation panel, and the switch knob 10 is held by the holding member 20 so that the pressing operation can be performed from the outside of the operation panel. The circuit board 40 is disposed on the rear side of the operation panel substantially in parallel with the operation panel, and the switch 34 is mounted on the operation shaft 34 of the switch element 30 mounted on the circuit board 40 via the engagement pieces 17. The knob 10 is connected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Switch knob 12 Knob main-body part 17 Locking piece 17a Engagement part 17b Connection part 18 Contact part 20 Holding member 24 Guide wall 30 Switch element 32 Main body part 34 Operation axis (displacement part)
40 Circuit board 50 Exterior panel

Claims (8)

It is connected to the displacement portion of the switch element having a displacement portion that can be displaced in a specific direction, and is held by the holding member so as to be able to receive a pressing operation in a pressing operation direction parallel to the displacement direction of the displacement portion. A switch knob,
A knob body which is held by the holding member so as to be displaceable in the pressing operation direction and receives a pressing operation in the pressing operation direction;
An engagement portion that engages with the displacement portion of the switch element and is displaced integrally with the displacement portion;
The engaging portion and the knob main body are connected and elastically deformed in the same direction so as to allow relative displacement of the engaging portion and the knob main body in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction. A switch knob comprising a connecting portion having a shape. The switch knob according to claim 1,
The knob body has connected portions at positions on both sides of the engaging portion in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction, and the connecting portion is between the connected portion and the engaging portion. Switch knob characterized by interposing each. The switch knob according to claim 2,
The knob main body has a hollow shape having a pressed wall that receives a pressing operation and a side wall that extends in the pressing operation direction from the periphery of the pressed wall, and the engaging portion is formed on the side wall of the knob main body. A switch knob provided on the outside, wherein the connected portion is formed on an outer surface of the side wall. The switch knob according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The knob main body portion has the pressing operation direction while allowing the relative displacement in a direction orthogonal to the pressing operation direction with respect to the displacement portion in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the displacement portion of the switch element. A switch knob comprising a contact portion that contacts the displacement portion along a parallel direction. The switch knob according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The switch knob, wherein the knob body, the engaging portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed of the same material. The switch knob according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A switch element having a displacement portion that can be displaced in a specific direction, and an engagement portion of the switch knob being engaged with the displacement portion, and a switch element coupled to the switch knob;
A switch device comprising: a holding member that holds the knob body so that the knob body of the switch knob can be displaced in a pressing operation direction parallel to a displacement direction of the displacement part. The switch knob according to claim 3,
A switch element having a displacement portion that can be displaced in a specific direction, and an engagement portion of the switch knob being engaged with the displacement portion, and a switch element coupled to the switch knob;
A holding member that holds the knob body so that the knob body of the switch knob can be displaced in a pressing operation direction parallel to the displacement direction of the displacement part;
A light source arranged at a position inside the side wall of the knob main body of the switch knob and emitting light in response to opening and closing of the contact of the switch element;
The switch element is disposed at a position outside the side wall of the knob main body, and is connected to the switch knob by engaging an engaging portion of a front switch knob with a displacement portion thereof. apparatus. The switch device according to claim 6 or 7,
The switch element has a first switching position and a second switching position separated from the first switching position in the displacement direction each time the displacement part receives a pressing force in the displacement direction. The switch device is characterized in that the switch knob is engaged with the displacement portion so that the switch knob is displaced in the displacement direction integrally with the displacement portion.

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