JP2014127250A - Switch structure and indoor lighting lamp for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch structure capable of restraining the number of components of a contact slidably pressure-welded to a bus bar, and the number of assembling manhours, obtaining a pressure-welding force to the bus bar of the contact, and performing a desired switch knob operation, so as to improve reliability of switching opening/closing.SOLUTION: A seesaw-type or slide-type switch knob 2 is applied, and a contact 10 that extends in a direction of a bus bar 3 from the switch knob 2 side in a meandering manner and on which a meandering part 1 having plural curved parts 1c is formed is applied. While a curved end 1c of the meandering part 1 of the contact 10 on the bus bar 3 side is pressure-welded to a pressure-welding face 3a of the bus bar 3, the switch knob 2 is operated. Thereby, the contact 10 is interlocked, and the curved part 1c of the bus bar 3 is slid while pressure-welded to the pressure-welding face 3a, so as to switch opening/closing of a contact 3b of the bus bar 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch structure and the like, for example, a switch for switching opening and closing of contacts of various electric devices and electronic devices.

  For example, a switch that is applied to an illumination lamp in an automobile and switches the opening / closing (on / off) of the contact of the bus bar is located at a distance from the bus bar and is supported swingably or slidably (for example, in the design portion of the illumination lamp) A switch knob that is swingably or slidably supported with respect to the bus bar, and a conductive contact that slides on the bus bar in conjunction with the switch knob operation (swing or slide) while being pressed against the bus bar. A configuration is known in which the pressure contact position of the contact with respect to the bus bar is changed by the switch knob operation, and the opening / closing of the bus bar contact is selectively switched (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  As a configuration for obtaining the contact pressure of the contact with the bus bar, a method of applying an urging member is applied, for example, a member extending in the bus bar direction from the switch knob and interlocking (swinging or sliding) in conjunction with the operation of the switch knob. A member, a contact member that extends in the bus bar direction from the interlocking member, and is supported so as to be movable in the extending direction; and a member that presses the contact member against the bus bar. The contact member is connected to the bus bar. A configuration including an urging member (an elastic body such as a coil spring) that urges toward the side is known (for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, in the case of the contact including a plurality of members including the urging member as described above, there is a risk that the cost may increase with an increase in the number of parts and assembly man-hours. In addition, for example, a moderation mechanism using a moderation mountain or the like is applied, and a method of moving the movable contact to a predetermined position (contact / separation) with respect to the fixed contact is adopted, but as a phenomenon such as so-called interruption, Unexpectedly, a desired switch knob operation may not be performed, and there is a risk that the certainty of switching between opening and closing is lowered.

JP 2011-210521A JP 2012-142147 A JP2011-222207A.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and suppresses the number of parts and assembly man-hours of contacts that are slidably pressed against the bus bar, and allows the contact pressure of the contacts to the bus bar to be obtained. It is another object of the present invention to provide a switch structure in which a desired switch knob operation is performed and the reliability of switching between opening and closing is improved.

  The switch structure according to the present invention is a creation that can solve the above-described problems. Specifically, one aspect of the present invention is a switch knob that is positioned at a distance from the bus bar and supported swingably or slidably. , A conductive member provided on the switch knob, which is pressed against the bus bar and is slid in the contact / separation direction with respect to the contact on the bus bar in conjunction with the switch knob operation, on both ends of the contact point in the contact / separation direction The contact is formed in a meandering shape having a plurality of curved portions extending in a meandering manner from the switch knob side to the bus bar direction. The bus bar side surface of the curved portion on the bus bar side is in pressure contact with the bus bar, and the position of the curved portion on the bus bar side with respect to the bus bar is changed by the switch knob operation. And, wherein the opening and closing of the contacts of the busbar is switched.

  A plurality of the serpentine portions may be formed, and the curved portions on the bus bar side of the serpentine portions may be connected to be in pressure contact with the bus bar. Further, the above switch structure may be applied to an interior lighting for an automobile.

  According to the switch structure of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the contact that is slidably pressed against the bus bar, and it is easy to obtain the pressing force against the bus bar at the contact. In addition, it is possible to improve the certainty of opening / closing switching by performing a desired switch knob operation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch structure of the present embodiment. Schematic explaining an example of the switch structure of the present embodiment (closed state). Schematic explaining an example of the switch structure of the present embodiment (open state). Schematic explaining an example of the switch structure of the present embodiment (interrupted state). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic explanatory drawing (an exploded perspective view) showing an example of an automotive interior illumination lamp according to the present embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic explanatory drawing (example from the ceiling side) which shows an example of the interior lamp for motor vehicles by this embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic explanatory drawing (example from the indoor side) which shows an example of the automotive interior illumination lamp by this embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic explanatory drawing (longitudinal sectional view) showing an example of an automotive interior illumination lamp according to this embodiment. Partial explanatory drawing (connector housing and light source bulb) of the illuminating lamp of FIGS. Partial explanatory drawing (light source bulb and bus bar) of the illuminating lamp of FIGS.

  In the switch structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the contact position of the contact with respect to the bus bar is changed by operating the switch knob, and the opening and closing of the contact of the bus bar is switched. In the contact, from the switch knob side to the bus bar direction. Applying a meandering portion extending in a meandering manner and having a plurality of curved portions, and applying a moderation mountain at both ends of the sliding direction (direction of contact with and away from the contact) at a multi-contact It is a formed structure.

  The meandering portion extending in a meandering manner and having a plurality of curved portions like the contact of the present embodiment has elasticity similar to the biasing member as shown in Patent Document 3, for example. When the curved portion on the bus bar side of the bent portion is brought into pressure contact with the bus bar, the meandering portion is elastically deformed, and the bent portion on the bus bar side of the meandering portion is biased toward the bus bar by the elasticity of the meandering portion itself. Will be. When the switch knob is further operated in such a state, the bus bar side curved portion of the meandering portion slides on the bus bar while being pressed against the bus bar.

  Further, the bus bar contact portion is located between a plurality of moderation mountains, and the bus bar side curved portion is slid in a direction to come in contact with and away from the contact while being pressed against the bus bar, so that the bus bar side curved portion is connected to the moderation mechanism. It will function like a moderation pin.

  Therefore, according to the contact in which the meandering portion is formed as described above, a pressure contact force against the bus bar can be obtained without using a member such as an urging member, and contact failure of the contact can be suppressed, and a desired contact can be obtained. Open / close switching is possible. In addition, the number of contact parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced compared to a contact having a plurality of members, and the switch structure can be reduced in size and cost.

  Further, in the switch knob operation for switching between opening and closing of the contact, it is necessary to slide the bus bar side curved portion in the contact contacting / separating direction while elastically deforming the contact so as to exceed the apex of the moderation mountain for each switching. That is, in order to switch the opening and closing of the contact as described above, an operation force larger than the force that elastically deforms the contact is required. For example, a force on the switch knob (when the peak of the moderation mountain is exceeded) Even if a force smaller than the operation force required for elastic deformation is applied, switching contrary to the intention is suppressed. Then, if a sufficient operating force is applied to the switch knob at the intention of the operator (a force greater than the operating force required for elastic deformation when exceeding the peak of the moderation mountain), the bus bar side curved portion slides in the contact / separation direction. The opening and closing of the contact point changes over the top of the modest mountain while moving.

  Therefore, it is possible to suppress switching of the contact opening / closing against the will of the operator, and it is possible to improve the certainty of the opening / closing switching. Further, since the so-called click feeling is produced each time the bus bar side curved portion exceeds the moderation mountain, the contact is easily recognized by the operator as to the open / closed state, and a phenomenon such as so-called interruption is suppressed.

  For example, according to the switch structure which is miniaturized as in the present embodiment, it can be sufficiently applied to a switch structure that requires space saving, such as an interior lighting for an automobile (for a small light vehicle or the like). It becomes.

  The switch structure of the present embodiment can be appropriately applied with a technique generally known in the field of a switch (seesaw type switch, slide type switch, etc.) as shown below.

<Contact>
The contact is made of a conductive material and is provided on the switch knob so as to extend between the switch knob and the bus bar. For example, as shown in the contact 10 of FIG. The switch knob accommodated in the opening portion 4 (corresponding to a design portion to be described) 4a (corresponding to the opening portion for operating the switch knob described in the embodiment described later) 4a (in FIG. 1, the fulcrum shaft 2a is accommodated inside the opening 4a And a serpentine portion 1 extending in a meandering manner from the switch knob 2 side to the bus bar 3 side. The structure is applied. The meandering portion 1 extending in a serpentine shape is formed with curved portions 1a and 1c that bulge from the extending direction in a direction substantially parallel to the pressure contact surface 3a of the bus bar 3, and has elasticity (spring property). Will have. The contact 10 can be provided to the switch knob 2 by various methods as long as it is supported so as to be interlocked with the operation of the switch knob 2. For example, the end 1b of the meandering portion 1 on the switch knob 2 side is provided. Is fixed to the fixing portion 2c located on the opposite side of the operation surface 2b of the switch knob 2 (in FIG. 1, the hook-like portion 1bb on the tip side of the end portion 1b is fitted into the hook-like fitting hole 2cc of the fixing portion 2c. A structure to be fixed).

  The contact 10 in which the elastic meandering portion 1 is formed can be appropriately changed in design according to the target switch structure. For example, a plurality of meandering portions 1 are formed in advance, and each of the serpentine shapes is formed. The structure which connected the curved part 1c by the side of the bus-bar 3 of the part 1 and press-contacted to the bus-bar 3 is mentioned.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the curved portion 1c on the bus bar 3 side of the meandering portion 1 is pressed against the pressure contact surface 3a of the bus bar 3, so that the meandering portion 1 is compressed from both ends (switch knob 2 side and bus bar). The curved portion 1 c is urged toward the pressure contact surface 3 a side of the bus bar 3. When the switch knob 2 is operated in such a biased state (oscillating operation in the X direction in FIG. 2), the contact 10 is interlocked (oscillated in FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. The bending portion 1c slides on the pressure contact surface 3a of the bus bar 3 (sliding in the Y direction in FIG. 2), and the pressure contact position of the bending portion 1c with respect to the bus bar 3 is changed as shown in FIG. As described above, the contact point 3b of the bus bar 3 can be switched between open and closed by the configuration in which the pressure contact position of the contact 10 (the bus bar 3 side curved portion 1c) with respect to the bus bar 3 can be changed.

  Here, in the operation of the switch knob 2 in FIG. 2, for example, the operator tries to operate so as to completely cross the moderation mountain 3c by sliding the bending portion 1c from the contact point 3b in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 4, even when the operation is interrupted at a position where the middle of the moderation mountain 3c coincides with the curved portion 1c (when the operation is performed so as to stop halfway), the contact 10 has a restoring force. (Restoring force in the Z direction in FIG. 4) acts, that is, in the bending portion 1c, the restoring force acts so as to move from the middle side of the moderation mountain 3c to the heel side (lower side in FIG. 4). As a result, a state (a state as shown in FIG. 3) completely exceeding the moderation mountain 3c as intended by the operator is reached.

  On the other hand, in the state as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a force smaller than the operation force required for the elastic deformation of the contact 10 when the switch knob is forced to exceed the apex of the moderation mountain 3c against the intention of the operator. Even if) is added, switching contrary to that will be suppressed. When the operator applies his / her force more than the operating force required for elastic deformation of the contact 10 when exceeding the apex of the moderation mountain 3c (force in the closing direction) to the switch knob, the bending portion 1c is applied. Slides in the direction of the contact 3b, passes over the moderation mountain 3c, and presses against the contact 3b, resulting in a closed state.

  Mechanical properties such as elasticity of the meandering portion 1 are determined by, for example, the material and shape of the contact 10 (thickness, length in the extending direction, width in the direction parallel to the pressure contact surface, shape of the curved portion, number, etc.), etc. Thus, it is possible to set and determine appropriately according to the target switch structure, and the setting not only determines the characteristics of the extending direction of the meandering portion 1 but also the characteristics when sliding. It is also possible to determine (for example, flexibility or rigidity in the sliding direction).

<Bus bar>
Various bus bars that are applied in the field of switches can be applied. For example, like the bus bar 3 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, moderation is applied to both end sides in the contact / separation direction of the contact 3 b of the press contact surface 3 a. Examples include a moderation mechanism in which a mountain 3c is formed. According to this moderation mechanism, the contact 10 functions as a moderation pin, and the contact 10 can be easily stopped at a desired position. Further, the slidability of the contact 10 with respect to the pressure contact surface 3a is imparted, for example, by smoothing the surface of the curved portion 1c of the contact 10 or the pressure contact surface 3a, the operability of the switch knob 2, the curved portion 1c, and the pressure contact surface 3a. Abrasion resistance can be improved.

<Switch knob>
The switch knob is operated by an operator or the like, and can be applied as appropriate as long as the contact can be interlocked to change the pressure contact position with respect to the bus bar and the contact can be opened and closed. It is not limited to a seesaw-type switch knob that is pivotally supported by a shaft and the like. For example, even a slide type switch knob that is movable in the sliding direction of the contact with respect to the pressure contact surface of the bus bar can achieve the same operational effects as when the switch knob 2 as shown in FIG. 1 is applied. is there.

  Moreover, the structure which supports a switch knob is not specifically limited, It can change suitably according to the target switch structure. For example, in the case of a car interior ceiling light, for example, a switch knob is pivotally supported on the design portion of the interior ceiling light so that it can be operated by a driver or the like. The operation range of the switch knob can be appropriately set according to the sliding range of the contact with respect to the bus bar. For example, in the case of the seesaw type switch knob 2 as shown in FIG. Can be appropriately regulated (in FIG. 1, the regulation member 4b provided in the opening 4a).

<Example>
Next, in the switch structure of this embodiment, it demonstrates based on FIGS. 5-10 which is an example applied to the ceiling light in a motor vehicle. Note that the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  First, in FIG. 5 to FIG. 10, reference numeral 4 denotes a rectangular design portion made of a resin material or the like and having a lens function and the like with a desired light transmittance. In FIG. 5, the peripheral edge portion 41 a of the inner side surface (surface on the ceiling 5 side) 41 in the design portion 4 is engaged with the outer edge 51 a of the opening portion 51 so as to cover the opening portion 51 having a rectangular shape smaller than the design portion 4. The hook portions 42 a and 42 b formed on the peripheral side of the inner side surface 41 of the design portion 4 are fixed to the inner edge 51 b of the opening portion 51 to be fixed. In this fixing, for example, in addition to the hook portions 42a and 42b, a fitting projection as shown by reference numeral 43 is formed, and the projection 43 is fitted into a predetermined portion (not shown) of the ceiling 5. Thus, the fixing may be reinforced.

  A rectangular opening 4a for operating the switch knob 2 (details will be described later) is formed through the design portion 4 (through in the thickness direction in the drawing), and the opening 4a on the inner surface 41 side is formed. A support portion 7 composed of a cylindrical side wall protruding from the edge toward the ceiling 5 is formed. A fulcrum shaft 2a serving as a fulcrum of swinging of the switch knob 2 is formed at the center of a pair of support surfaces 71a and 71b opposite to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction on the inner wall surface of the support portion 7. The

  The switch knob 2 provided with the contact 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is accommodated inside the support portion 7, and the operation surface of the switch knob 2 (operated by the operator through the opening 4a). The curved portion 1c side of the contact 10 (the contact 10 attached and fixed to the switch knob 2) is exposed from the opening 71 opened to the opposite side of the opening 4a. The switch knob 2 is swingably supported through the fulcrum shaft 2a.

  Reference numeral 8 is formed of a cylindrical side wall that accommodates the bus bar 3, a connector connecting portion 81 for connecting an external power supply connector (not shown) is formed on one end side of the cylindrical side wall, and a light source is formed on the other end side. The connector housing in which the socket part 82 for connecting the valve | bulb 80 is formed is shown. At the position of the contact 3 b of the bus bar 3 in the connector housing 8, a connection port 83 is formed so as to penetrate the curved portion 1 c of the contact 10 from the outer peripheral side of the connector housing 8.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes a pedestal that is formed so as to protrude from the edge of the opening 71 of the support portion 7 in the radial direction of the opening 71 (the extending direction of the connector housing 8) and supports the connector housing 8. The connector housing 8 is supported and fixed so that the connection port 83 and the opening 71 are located opposite to each other. Thus, by fixing and supporting the connector housing 8, the curved portion 1 c of the contact 10 can be slidably pressed against the bus bar 3.

  As the switch knob 2 applied to the ceiling lamp shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, for example, the one described above based on FIG. 1 or the like can be applied, and for example, the switch knob 2 swings while being accommodated in the support portion 7. In order to facilitate operation (swing) by an operator, one end side in the longitudinal direction of the operation surface 2b is raised. Further, of the side surfaces of the switch knob 2, the side surfaces of the support portion 7 that are opposed to the support surfaces 71 a and 71 b are respectively fitted with the fulcrum shaft 2 a and fulcrum shaft fitting holes (the fulcrum shaft fitting holes). (Not shown) are formed, and the switch knob 2 is swingably supported by fitting the fulcrum shaft fitting holes and the fulcrum shafts 2a.

  In the light source bulb 80, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the electrical connection portion 80a of the light source bulb 80 is inserted into the socket portion 82 of the connector housing 8 (in the direction P in FIGS. 9 and 10A). ) And the electrical connection portion 80a is connected to the bus bar 3 in the socket portion 82 as shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the bus bar 3 has a bus bar member 31 connected to one pole (positive electrode or negative electrode) of the light source bulb and a moderation degree in which a moderation mountain 3c is formed. The one provided with bus bar members 32a and 32b connected to the other pole (negative electrode or positive electrode) is applied. The bus bar members 32a and 32b in FIGS. 2 (A) and 3 (A) are arranged in a state of being insulated from each other, and are located between the moderation mountains 3c of the bus bar members 32a and 32b as shown in FIG. In the state where the curved portion 1c of the contact 10 is positioned at the contact 3b, they are electrically connected to each other, and the contact 3b is closed. By swinging the contact 10 by operating the switch knob 2 in this state, the curved portion 1c slides toward the vicinity of the apex of the moderation mountain 3c of the bus bar member 32a while the contact 10 is elastically deformed (compressed). When the curved portion 1c exceeds the vicinity of the apex of the moderation mountain 3c, the curved portion 1c of the contact 10 moves from the contact 3b as shown in FIG. 3 while the contact 10 is restored, and the contact 3b is insulated and opened. Become.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail only for the specific examples described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It is natural that such changes and the like belong to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Serpentine-shaped part 1a, 1c ... Curved part 10 ... Contact 2 ... Switch knob 2a ... Supporting shaft 3 ... Bus bar 3a ... Pressure-contact surface 3b ... Contact 3c ... Moderation mountain

Claims (3)

A switch knob located at a distance from the bus bar and supported swingably or slidably,
A contact member that is a conductive member provided on the switch knob and that is pressed against the bus bar and that slides in contact with and away from the contact point on the bus bar in conjunction with the switch knob operation;
A moderation mountain located at both ends of the contact point in the contact / separation direction, and a switch structure comprising:
The contact is formed in a meandering shape having a plurality of curved portions extending in a meandering shape from the switch knob side to the bus bar direction,
The bus bar side surface in the curved portion on the bus bar side is in pressure contact with the bus bar,
A switch structure characterized in that, by the switch knob operation, the pressure contact position of the curved portion on the bus bar side with respect to the bus bar is changed, and the opening and closing of the contact of the bus bar is switched.   2. The switch structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of meandering portions are formed, and the curved portions on the bus bar side of the meandering portions are connected and pressed against the bus bar.   An interior lighting for an automobile, wherein the switch structure according to claim 1 or 2 is applied.

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