JP3926586B2

JP3926586B2 - Switch unit for vehicle steering wheel

Info

Publication number: JP3926586B2
Application number: JP2001198458A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳夫高橋; 秀徳熊谷
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-29
Filing date: 2001-06-29
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-29
Also published as: JP2003011745A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は車両のハンドルのスポーク部に取り付けられたスイッチユニットに係り、特に、互いに一体化されて電気的に接続される複数のスイッチ部材を備えた車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットを図９を用いて説明すると、図９は従来の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの取付状態を示す部分断面図である。
【０００３】
スポーク部５１は、棒状で金属製の芯金５２と芯金５２を被覆する絶縁部材よりなる被覆部５３より構成されており、被覆部５３の表側と裏側の一部に設けられた突出部５３ａ、５３ｂにはネジ孔５３ｃ、５３ｄが形成されている。
【０００４】
ハンドルの表側に設けられた表側スイッチ部材５４は、その表面にスイッチノブ５４ａを突出させて設け、図示しないが、スイッチノブ５４ａの押圧により導通するスイッチ接点と、スイッチ接点のスイッチ信号を外部へ導出す導出電極部を内部に有している。表側スイッチ部材５４は被覆部５３に設けられた突部５３ａのネジ孔５３ｃに固定部５４ｄをネジ５６によりネジ止めして固定される。
【０００５】
ハンドルの裏側に設けた裏側スイッチ部材５５は、その表面にスイッチノブ５５ａを突出させて設け、図示しないが、スイッチノブ５５ａの押圧により導通するスイッチ接点とスイッチ接点のスイッチ信号を外部へ導出する導出電極部を内部に有している。裏側スイッチ部材５５は被覆部５３に設けられた突部５３ｂのネジ孔５３ｄに固定部５５ｂをネジ５６によりネジ止めすることにより、表側スイッチ部材５４とスポーク部５１に関して裏側の位置でスポーク部５１に固定され、その導出電極部にはリード線５８の一端が接続され、他端が表側スイッチ部材５４に電気的に接続されている。
【０００６】
外装部５７は、表側スイッチ部材５４及び裏側スイッチ部材５５の周囲を囲んでスポーク部５１に取り付けられるハンドルの外装面となる部分である。
【０００７】
リ−ド線５９は表側スイッチ部材５４の導出電極部に接続され、表側スイッチ部材５４のスイッチ接点のスイッチ信号と裏側スイッチ部材５５のスイッチ接点のスイッチ信号を電気的に導出し、表側スイッチ部材５４からスポーク部５１に沿って、外装部５７の内側を通って外部へ導出される。
【０００８】
コネクタ６０は、リード線５９の末端に接続され、図示しないが、相手方コネクタと接続されて、表側スイッチ部材５４と裏側スイッチ部材５５の両スイッチ部材のスイッチ接点のスイッチ信号をハンドルの中央部方向へ電気的に導出する。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記した従来の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットにおいては、各スイッチ部材５３，５４をそれぞれスポーク部５１に取り付け固定し、更にそれぞれのスイッチ部材５３，５４同志をリード線５８により配線し、表側スイッチ部材５４の導出電極部から外部導出用のリ−ド線５９を引き出していた。その結果スイッチ部材のハンドルのスポーク部への機械的接続及び両スイッチ部材同志の電気的接続の手間がかかり、組立性が悪いという問題があった。
【００１０】
本発明の目的は、各スイッチ部材のハンドルのスポーク部５１への取り付けと各スイッチ部材５３，５４同志の電気的接続が同時に行える組立性のよい車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットを提供することにある。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、スポーク部をもつハンドルの表側から前記スポーク部に装着されると共に前記ハンドルの表側に第１スイッチノブを有する表側スイッチ部材と、前記ハンドルの裏側から前記スポーク部に装着されると共に前記ハンドルの裏側に第２スイッチノブを有する裏側スイッチ部材とが、互いにスナップ結合によって前記スポーク部を挟持するように一体化され、これら表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材とがスナップ結合された状態で、これら表側スイッチ部材及び裏側スイッチ部材によって孔が形成され、これら表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材との間に中間スイッチ部材が挟持されると共に、該中間スイッチ部材から外部へ延設され操作されるスイッチレバーの一部が前記孔内において揺動可能に配置されてなり、前記表側スイッチ部材と前記裏側スイッチ部材の互いに対向する位置のいずれか一方には弾性変形する第１の弾性電極部を、他方には前記第１の弾性電極部と対向する第１の対向電極部をそれぞれ有すると共に、前記中間スイッチ部材と前記表側スイッチ部材または裏側スイッチ部材との互いに対向する位置のいずれか一方には弾性変形する第２の弾性電極部を、他方には前記第２の弾性電極部と対向する第２の対向電極部をそれぞれ有し、前記表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材とを、前記スポーク部及び前記中間スイッチ部材を挟持するようにスナップ結合させると、前記第１、第２の弾性電極部が前記第１、第２の対向電極部に弾接するようにした。
この構成により、車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの組立性が向上する。
【００１２】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記第１、第２の対向電極部はプリント基板上に形成された電極パターンである。
この構成により、簡単に第１、第２の対向電極を形成できる。
【００１３】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記プリント基板は、前記第 1 スイッチノブに対応する第１プリント基板と、前記第２スイッチノブに対応する第２プリント基板と、前記中間スイッチ部材に対応する第３プリント基板とからなり、前記電極パターンが、前記第１プリント基板と前記第２プリント基板の対向する位置のいずれか一方に設けられると共に、前記第１プリント基板または前記第２プリント基板と前記第３プリント基板との対向する位置のいずれか一方に設けられる。
【００１４】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記表側スイッチ部材と前記裏側スイッチ部材とが、それぞれに互いに対向して設けられたスナップ係合部を係合させた。
この構成により、表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材の機械的接続が容易となる。
【００１５】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記表側スイッチ部材は、前記第１スイッチノブを操作可能に突出させる第１ケースを有し、前記裏側スイッチ部材は、前記第２スイッチノブを操作可能に突出させるための第２ケースを有する。
【００１６】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記第１のケースと第２のケースの少なくとも一方の内側には、前記中間スイッチ部材を前記表側スイッチ部材または前記裏側スイッチ部材に対して位置決めするためのガイド部が設けられている。
この構成により、表側スイッチ部材または裏側スイッチ部材に対する中間スイッチ部材の位置決めが容易になる。
【００１７】
また、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、前記裏側スイッチ部材は、前記第２ケースの側部から突出され一体的に形成された副ケース部を備え、該副ケース部には、前記第２スイッチノブと、該第２スイッチノブの操作によってオンオフされるスイッチ接点部とが設けられ、該スイッチ接点部と前記第２プリント基板に設けられる前記第２の対向電極部または前記第２の弾性電極部とが電気的に接続される。
また、前記第１プリント基板は、前記第１スイッチノブの操作によりオンオフする第１スイッチ接点部と、この第１スイッチ接点部のスイッチ信号を導出する第１導出電極部とを備える。
また、前記第１の対向電極部は、前記第１スイッチノブまたは前記第２スイッチノブのいずれか一方に対応し、前記第１の弾性電極部は、前記第１スイッチノブまたは前記第２スイッチノブのいずれか他方に対応するように設けられ、前記第２の対向電極部または前記第２の弾性電極部のいずれか一方は、前記中間スイッチ部材に対応する。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の図面を説明すると、図１は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態を示す分解斜視図、図２は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の部分断面図、図３は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態に係り、弾性電極部と対向電極との電気的接続部位を示す説明図、図４は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１の実施形態の第１係合部の係合状態を示す要部破断斜視図、図５は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の第２係合部の係合状態を示す要部斜視図、図６は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態が取り付けられたハンドルの正面図、図７は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態が取り付けられたハンドルの裏面図をそれぞれ示す。
【００１９】
次に、本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態を図１から図７に基づいて説明すると、２本のスポーク部６は、図６、図７に示すように、ハンドル１のホィール部７とパッド部８をつなぐ部分であって、棒状で断面コの字型の金属製の芯金６ａと、芯金６ａを被覆する絶縁樹脂製の被覆部６ｂからなっている。
【００２０】
表側スイッチ部材３は、底面に孔部３ｅが設けられた舟を伏せた形状で下方に開口を有する、絶縁樹脂製のケースの本体であるケース本体部３ａと、孔部３ｅから突出したスイッチノブ３ｆと、ケース本体部３ａ内に収納固定され、スイッチノブ３ｆの操作によりオンオフするスイッチ接点部（図示せず）を表面に搭載したプリント基板３ｇと、プリント基板３ｇ裏面に搭載されスイッチ接点部のオンオフ信号等を外部に導出する電極パターンである導出電極３ｍと、プリント基板３ｇの裏面に設けられた電極パターンである第２の対向電極部３ｊと、スペーサ３ｈを介してプリント基板３ｇ裏面上に搭載されたプリント基板３ｉと、プリント基板３ｉ上に設けられた電極パターンである第１の対向電極３ｋとから構成されている。また、ケース本体部３ａの長手方向の一端には、天孔のある中空ドームを半分にした形状で、絶縁樹脂製の半ドーム部３ｂが一体に設けられ、ケース本体部３ａの開口の長手方向の一端付近には、ケース本体部３ａから垂下し、ケース本体部３ａの開口に入る絶縁樹脂製の板体３ｌが一体に設けられ、この板体３ｌに第１のスナップ係合部３ｄが設けられている。更に、ケース本体部３ａの開口の長手方向の他端付近には、第２のスナップ係合部３ｃがケース本体部３ａの下端に形成されている。
【００２１】
裏側スイッチ部材４は、表側スイッチ部材３の裏側の位置に取り付けられ、絶縁樹脂製で舟の形状をなし、上方に開口を有するケース本体部４ａと、ケース本体部４ａの側部に突出して一体に形成された副ケース部４ｅと、ケース本体部４ａ内に収納固定されたプリント基板４ｆと、プリント基板４ｆの表面に搭載された電気部品４ｇから突出した弾性に富む金属片からなり、図３に示すように、表側スイッチ部材３のプリント基板３ｉに設けた第１の対向電極部３ｋと弾接し外部へ信号を導出する導出電極部である第１の弾性電極部４ｈと、プリント基板４ｆの裏面に設けられたコネクタ４ｉと、副ケース部４ｅから突出したスイッチノブ４ｄと、このスイッチノブ４ｄの操作によりオンオフする接点部を裏面に搭載したプリント基板（図示せず）の表面側に搭載されたコネクタ４ｊと、コネクタ４ｉとコネクタ４ｊとを電気的に接続するフレキシブル配線板４ｋとから構成されている。
【００２２】
また、ケース本体部４ａの長手方向の一端には、天孔のある中空ドームを半分にした形状で絶縁樹脂製の半ドーム部４ｂが一体に設けられ、ケース本体部４ａの上端には、鍵状の突部である絶縁樹脂製の第１のスナップ係合部４ｃ及びケース本体部４ａに設けられた透孔である第２のスナップ係合部４ｌとがそれぞれケース本体部４ａの長手方向の略両端に形成されている。ケース本体部４ａの半ドーム部４ｂが設けられた側の対向する内壁４ｏ，４ｏには、それぞれ上下方向に沿った３本の突条４ｍによって２つの溝部４ｎが、ケース本体部４ａの幅方向に対向して設けられている。表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とを各スイッチ部材３，４の側部がスポーク部６の芯金６ａに直交するようにスポーク部６を挟持し、両スイッチ部材３，４に設けた第１のスナップ係合部３ｄ、４ｃ及び第２のスナップ係合部３ｃ，４ｌとを用いてそれぞれスナップ係合して一体化すると、これによって、表側スイッチ部材３に組み込まれたプリント基板３ｉに設けた第１の対向電極部３ｋに裏側スイッチ部材４のプリント基板４ｆに組み込まれた第１の弾性電極部４ｈが弾接され、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とが機械的にも電気的にも同時に接続され、スポーク部６に固定されることとなる。
【００２３】
図４，５に示すように、第１のスナップ係合部３ｄはケース本体部３ａからケース本体部３ａの開口内に垂下した板体３ｌに設けられた孔で、第１のスナップ係合部４ｃはケース本体部４ａから突出した鍵状部であり、第２のスナップ係合部３ｃはケース本体部３ａから垂下した板体に設けられた鍵状部で、第２のスナップ係合部４ｌはケース本体部４ａの上縁に設けられた孔である。表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とを一体化すると、鍵状部である第１のスナップ係合部４ｃが、孔である第１のスナップ係合部３ｄの内縁に係合し、鍵状部である第２のスナップ係合部３ｃが孔であるスナップ係合部４ｌの内縁に係合することにより、一体化が完了する。この時、第１のスナップ係合部４ｃ，３ｄの係合している部分はケース本体部３ａ，４ａの内部に位置している。第１のスナップ係合部３ｄ，４ｃの係合している部分に近接したケース本体部３ａ、４ａにはそれぞれ切欠部９ａ，９ｂが設けられ、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とを一体化すると、切欠部９ａ，９ｂが合体して治具孔（透孔）９が形成され、この透孔９よりケース本体３ａ，４ａの外部からケース内部の第１の係合部３ｄ，４ｃを臨むことができ、修理などの場合、ケース外部から治具８を挿入して板体３ｌの押圧部１０ａを押すことにより板体３ｌを撓ませて第１の係合部３ｄ，４ｃの係合が解除されて容易に表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４との係合を解除でき、ハンドル用スイッチユニット２を分解することができる。
また、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とを一体化すると、半ドーム部３ｂ，４ｂは互いに接合して、両者により長孔１３が形成される。
【００２４】
中間スイッチ部材５は、矩形の板状で絶縁樹脂製の基体部５ａと、基体部５ａから突出し、揺動棒５ｃと揺動棒５ｃの先端に設けられた立方体状のスイッチノブ５ｄと揺動棒５ｃが揺動するための揺動軸部５ｅを有するスイッチレバー５ｂと、基体部５ａ上に一体に形成され揺動軸部５ｅを軸支する透孔５ｇを有する支持部５ｆと、基体部５ａに固定され、図示しないがスイッチレバー５ｂの揺動により切り替わる複数の接点を搭載するプリント基板５ｈと、プリント基板５ｈに搭載された電気部品５ｉから突出し、弾性に富む金属片からなり、図３と同様に、表側スイッチ部材３の第２の対向電極部３ｊと弾接し外部へ信号を導出する導出電極部である第２の弾性電極部５ｊとから構成されている。また、基体部５ａの対向する二つの側辺には２列の壁部５ｋとこれら壁部５ｋ，５ｋに挟まれた溝部５ｌが形成されている。
【００２５】
中間スイッチ部材５は、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とを一体化させる時、基体部５ａの対向する二つの側辺に設けられたそれぞれ２列の壁部５ｋ，５ｋを、裏側スイッチ部材４の内壁４ｏの対向する部分にそれぞれ設けられた２列の溝部４ｎ，４ｎをガイド部として挿入することにより、表側スイッチ部材３を裏側スイッチ部材４に組み付けてスナップ係合させる時に、同時に中間スイッチ部材５を挟持固定すると共に、第２の弾性電極部５ｊを第２の対向電極部３ｊと弾接させる。このようにして、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４がスポーク部６及び中間スイッチ部材５とを挟持して一体化させると、第１、第２の弾性電極部４ｈ，５ｊがそれぞれ第１、第２の対向電極部３ｋ，３ｊに弾接することにより、ハンドル用スイッチユニット２は、容易に、機械的にも電気的にも接続されスポーク部６に固定され、図６，７に示すように、ハンドル１に取り付けられ固定される。スイッチレバー５ｂの揺動棒５ｃは、表側スイッチ部材３と裏側スイッチ部材４とにより形成される長孔１３内で揺動可能に配置される。
【００２６】
次に、本発明の第１実施形態の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニット１の動作について説明すると、表側スイッチ部材３のスイッチノブ３ｆはホーンスイッチや定速走行のためのクルーズコントロールに使われるもの、裏側スイッチ部材４のスイッチノブ４ｄは、電話の番号セレクトや電話をかけるのに使用されるもの、中間スイッチ部材５のスイッチノブ５ｄはギヤのシフトチェンジに使われるもので、それぞれを車両の運転者が必要に応じてハンドル１のホィール７を手で掴んで運転しながら指で操作するものである。
【００２７】
表側スイッチ部材３のスイッチノブ３ｆを操作することによりオンオフされるスイッチ接点部はプリント基板３ｇにある配線を経由して、表側スイッチ部材３のプリント基板３ｇ裏面の導出電極部３ｍに接続されている。裏側スイッチ部材４のスイッチノブ４ｄの操作によってオンオフされるスイッチ接点部は裏側スイッチ部材４の第１の弾性電極部４ｈにより表側スイッチ部材３の第１の対向電極３ｋに弾接され、ここから表側スイッチ部材３のプリント基板３ｇの裏面にある導出電極部３ｍへ接続されている。中間スイッチ部材５のスイッチノブ５ｄの操作によってオンオフされるスイッチ接点部は、中間スイッチ部材５の第２の弾性電極部５ｊにより表側スイッチ部材３の第１の対向電極３ｊに弾接され、ここから表側スイッチ部材３のプリント基板３ｇの裏面にある導出電極部３ｍへ接続されている。
【００２８】
すなわち、裏側スイッチ部材４及び中間スイッチ部材５のスイッチ接点部は表側スイッチ部材３の導出電極部３ｍへ接続され、表側スイッチ部材３のスイッチ接点部も導出電極部３ｍに接続されているので、ハンドル用スイッチユニット２の各スイッチノブ３ｆ，４ｄ，５ｄによりオンオフされる接点部は全て表側スイッチ部材３の導出電極部に集中して接続されていることになる。表側スイッチ部材３の導出電極部３ｍは図示せぬリード線の一端が接続され、リード線の他端はハンドル１のパッド８の方に導出され、車両本体側の機器に電気的に接続されている。従って、ハンドル用スイッチユニット２のスイッチノブ３ｆ，４ｄ，５ｄの操作によるスイッチ接点部のオンオフ信号は、表側スイッチ部材３の導出電極部３ｍに集められて車両本体の機器に送られる。
【００２９】
次に、本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第２実施形態の図面を説明すると、図８は本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第２実施形態の断面図である。本実施形態の中で第１実施形態と同一部品は同一番号を付して引用し、その説明は省略する。
【００３０】
本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第２実施形態は、上記第１実施形態において、裏側スイッチ部材４の副ケース部４ｅに収納されたスイッチノブ４ｄのスイッチ接点部と、本体ケース４ａ内に収納され、第１の弾性電極部４ｈの搭載されたプリント基板４ｆとの間をフレキシブル配線板４ｋを用いて接続していたものを、裏側スイッチ部材４をスイッチノブ側ブロック１１とそれ以外の本体側ブロックに分離可能としたものである。
本体側ブロックには、副ケース部４ｅの代わりにスイッチノブ側ブロック１１が嵌合される嵌合凹部４ｕが形成され、嵌合凹部４ｕの底面中央には中央孔４ｖが設けられ、嵌合凹部４ｕの底面の中央孔４ｖの周囲に係合孔（図示せず）が設けられている。本体側ブロック内で第１の弾性電極部４ｈが搭載されているプリント基板４ｆには、弾性に富む金属材料からなるＬ字状の弾性導体部４ｑとこれを支持する弾性導体支持部４ｐが搭載されており、Ｌ字状の弾性導体部４ｑの先端は、本体側ブロックの嵌合凹部４ｕの中央孔４ｖから嵌合凹部４ｕ内部に突出するように設けられている。
【００３１】
スイッチノブ側ブロック１１は、スイッチケース４ｘと、スイッチケース４ｘ内面でガイドされて上下するスイッチノブ４ｄと、このスイッチノブ４ｄが押圧するゴム接点と、ゴム接点により導通される接点部を搭載するプリント基板４ｓと、プリント基板４ｓの外部への露出面に電極パターンとして形成された対向導体部４ｒと、スイッチケース４ｘからスイッチノブ４ｄの押圧方向に突出した２つの係合脚４ｔとから構成されている。
スイッチノブ側ブロック１１を、本体側ブロックの嵌合凹部４ｕにスイッチノブ４ｄの押圧方向に嵌合すると、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１の係合脚４ｔが嵌合凹部４ｕの中央孔４ｖの周囲に設けられた係合孔に挿通されてスナップ係合する。この時、中央孔４ｖ方向に露出したプリント基板４ｓ上の対向導体部４ｒが中央孔４ｖから突出した弾性導体部４ｑに弾接して、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１と本体側ブロックとの機械的接続及び電気的接続が同時に完了する。すなわち、本実施形態では、上記第１実施形態で行ったフレキシブル配線板４ｋを使った接続の代わりに、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１の弾性導体部４ｑと本体側ブロックの対向導体部４ｒとの弾接によって接続を行ったものである。
【００３２】
裏側スイッチ部材４にスイッチノブ４ｄが、顧客要求などにより不要になった場合には、図８に示すように、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１をめくら蓋１２に交換し、めくら蓋１２を本体側ブロックの嵌合凹部４ｕに嵌合させ、めくら蓋１２に設けられた係合脚４ｗを、嵌合凹部４ｕの係合孔に挿通してスナップ係合すればよい。このようにすると、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１をめくら蓋１２に換えるだけで、他の部分の設計を変更することなく、裏側スイッチ部材のスイッチノブ４ｄのないハンドル用スイッチユニットを作成することができ、めくら蓋１２により外観を損ねることもない。
【００３３】
尚、上記第１実施形態において、ガイド部としての溝部４ｎは裏側スイッチ部材４のケース本体部４ａの内壁４ｏに設けられた場合が記載されているが、本発明はこれに限定されることなく、溝部は表側スイッチ部材３の内壁にあっても、表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材の両方の内壁にあってもよい。
また、上記第１実施形態の裏側スイッチ部材４にある第１の弾性電極部４ｈと表側スイッチ部材３にある第１の対向電極部３ｋとは置き換えて、表側スイッチ部材３に第１の弾性電極を設け、これと弾接する第１の対向電極を裏側スイッチ部材４に設けてもよいことは言うまでもなく、同様に、上記第１実施形態の中間スイッチ部材５にある第２の弾性電極部５ｊと表側スイッチ部材にある第２の対向電極部３ｊとは置き換えて、表側スイッチ部材３に第２の弾性電極を設け、これと弾接する第２の対向電極を中間スイッチ部材５に設けてもよい。
【００３４】
また、上記第２実施形態では、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１に対向導体部４ｒを、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１以外の本体側ブロックに弾性導体部４ｑを設けて対向導体部４ｒと弾接させているが、スイッチノブ側ブロック１１に対向導体部を設け、これと弾接する弾性導体部を本体側ブロックに設けてもよい。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明のハンドル用スイッチユニットは、スポーク部をもつハンドルの表側からスポーク部に装着されると共にハンドルの表側に第１スイッチノブを有する表側スイッチ部材と、ハンドルの裏側からスポーク部に装着されると共にハンドルの裏側に第２スイッチノブを有する裏側スイッチ部材とが、互いにスナップ結合によってスポーク部を挟持するように一体化され、これら表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材とがスナップ結合された状態で、これら表側スイッチ部材及び裏側スイッチ部材によって孔が形成され、これら表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材との間に中間スイッチ部材が挟持されると共に、該中間スイッチ部材から外部へ延設され操作されるスイッチレバーの一部が孔内において揺動可能に配置されてなり、表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材の互いに対向する位置のいずれか一方には弾性変形する第１の弾性電極部を、他方には第１の弾性電極部と対向する第１の対向電極部をそれぞれ有すると共に、中間スイッチ部材と表側スイッチ部材または裏側スイッチ部材との互いに対向する位置のいずれか一方には弾性変形する第２の弾性電極部を、他方には第２の弾性電極部と対向する第２の対向電極部をそれぞれ有し、表側スイッチ部材と裏側スイッチ部材とを、スポーク部及び中間スイッチ部材を挟持するようにスナップ結合させると、第１、第２の弾性電極部が第１、第２の対向電極部に弾接するようにしたので、車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの組立性が向上する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の部分断面図である。
【図３】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態に係り、弾性電極部と対向電極との電気的接続部位を示す説明図である。
【図４】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の第１係合部の係合状態を示す要部破断斜視図である。
【図５】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態の第２係合部の係合状態を示す要部斜視図である。
【図６】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態が取り付けられたハンドルの正面図である。
【図７】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第１実施形態が取り付けられたハンドルの裏面図である。
【図８】本発明の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの第２実施形態の断面図である。
【図９】従来の車両のハンドル用スイッチユニットの取付状態を示す部分断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ハンドル
２車両のハンドル用スイッチユニット
３表側スイッチ部材
４裏側スイッチ部材
５中間スイッチ部材
３ｋ第１の対向電極部
４ｈ第１の弾性電極部
３ｊ第２の対向電極部
５ｊ第２の弾性電極部
３ｍ導出電極部
３ｄ，４ｃ第１のスナップ係合部
３ｃ，４ｌ第２のスナップ係合部
３ｆ，４ｄ，５ｂスイッチノブ
４ｋフレキシブル配線板
６スポーク部
７ホィール部
８パッド部
９治具孔（透孔）
１０治具
１０ａ押圧部
１１スイッチノブ側ブロック
１２めくら蓋
１３長孔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a switch unit attached to a spoke part of a vehicle handle, and more particularly, to a switch unit for a vehicle handle provided with a plurality of switch members that are integrated and electrically connected to each other.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional vehicle steering wheel switch unit will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of a conventional vehicle steering wheel switch unit.
[0003]
The spoke part 51 is composed of a bar-shaped metal cored bar 52 and a covering part 53 made of an insulating member that covers the cored bar 52, and a protruding part 53a provided on a part of the front side and the back side of the covering part 53. , 53b are formed with screw holes 53c, 53d.
[0004]
The front-side switch member 54 provided on the front side of the handle is provided with a switch knob 54a protruding on the surface thereof. Although not shown, the switch contact that conducts when the switch knob 54a is pressed and the switch signal of the switch contact are guided to the outside. A lead-out electrode portion is provided inside. The front-side switch member 54 is fixed by screwing a fixing portion 54d with a screw 56 into a screw hole 53c of a protrusion 53a provided in the covering portion 53.
[0005]
The back side switch member 55 provided on the back side of the handle is provided with a switch knob 55a protruding on the surface thereof. Although not shown, a switch contact that is conducted by pressing the switch knob 55a and a switch signal of the switch contact are led out to the outside. It has an electrode part inside. The back-side switch member 55 is fixed to the spoke portion 51 at a position on the back side with respect to the front-side switch member 54 and the spoke portion 51 by screwing the fixing portion 55b into the screw hole 53d of the projection 53b provided in the covering portion 53 with the screw 56. One end of the lead wire 58 is connected to the lead-out electrode portion, and the other end is electrically connected to the front side switch member 54.
[0006]
The exterior portion 57 is a portion that becomes an exterior surface of the handle that is attached to the spoke portion 51 so as to surround the front side switch member 54 and the back side switch member 55.
[0007]
The lead wire 59 is connected to the lead-out electrode portion of the front-side switch member 54, and electrically derives the switch signal of the switch contact of the front-side switch member 54 and the switch signal of the switch contact of the back-side switch member 55. To the outside through the inside of the exterior portion 57 along the spoke portion 51.
[0008]
The connector 60 is connected to the end of the lead wire 59 and is connected to a counterpart connector (not shown), and the switch signals of the switch contacts of both the front-side switch member 54 and the back-side switch member 55 are directed toward the center of the handle. Derived electrically.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional vehicle steering wheel switch unit, the switch members 53 and 54 are attached and fixed to the spokes 51, respectively, and the switch members 53 and 54 are wired together by lead wires 58, so that the front switch member 54 is connected. The lead wire 59 for external derivation was drawn out from the lead electrode portion. As a result, the mechanical connection of the switch member to the spoke portion of the handle and the electrical connection between the switch members are troublesome, and there is a problem that the assembling property is poor.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle with good assemblability capable of simultaneously attaching each switch member to the spoke 51 of the handle and electrically connecting the switch members 53 and 54 together.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, a switch unit for a handle according to the present invention includes:Has a spoke partFront side of handleFrom the spoke partAttached toAnd a first switch knob on the front side of the handleA front-side switch member;HandleBack sideFrom the spoke partAttached toAnd a second switch knob on the back side of the handleBack side switch member andAre integrated so as to sandwich the spoke part by snap coupling to each other., These front side switch member and back side switch memberIn the state where the two are snap-coupled, a hole is formed by the front-side switch member and the back-side switch member, and the front-side switch member and the back-side switch memberBetweenIntermediate switch memberPinchedAs,The intermediate switch member is extended to the outside and operated.switchA part of the lever is arranged so as to be swingable in the hole,The front side switch member and the back side switch partMaterialA first elastic electrode portion that elastically deforms at one of the positions facing each other, and a first counter electrode portion that faces the first elastic electrode portion on the other sideRespectivelyA second elastic electrode portion that elastically deforms at one of the opposed positions of the intermediate switch member and the front switch member or the back switch member, and the second elastic electrode portion on the other. Opposing second counter electrode partEachThe front switch memberWhenBack side switch memberAnd the spoke partas well asSaidIntermediate switch memberSnap to joinLet,in front1st, 2nd elastic electrode partBeforeThe first and second counter electrode portions were elastically contacted.
  With this configuration, the assembly of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit is improved.
[0012]
In the handle switch unit of the present invention, the first and second counter electrode portions are electrode patterns formed on a printed circuit board.
With this configuration, the first and second counter electrodes can be easily formed.
[0013]
  Moreover, the switch unit for a handle of the present invention isThe printed circuit board includes the first 1 A first printed circuit board corresponding to the switch knob, a second printed circuit board corresponding to the second switch knob, and a third printed circuit board corresponding to the intermediate switch member, wherein the electrode pattern is the first printed circuit board. And the second printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board or the second printed circuit board is disposed at either one of the opposed positions of the second printed circuit board and the third printed circuit board.
[0014]
In the handle switch unit of the present invention, the front side switch member and the back side switch member are engaged with snap engaging portions provided to face each other.
This configuration facilitates mechanical connection between the front side switch member and the back side switch member.
[0015]
  Moreover, the switch unit for a handle of the present invention isThe front-side switch member has a first case for projecting the first switch knob so that the first switch knob can be operated, and the back-side switch member has a second case for projecting the second switch knob so that it can be operated.
[0016]
  In addition, the handle switch unit of the present invention includes the above-described switch unit.1st case and 2nd caseCaseAt least one insideIncludes a guide portion for positioning the intermediate switch member with respect to the front switch member or the back switch member.Set upIt is
  With this configuration, the intermediate switch member can be easily positioned with respect to the front switch member or the back switch member.
[0017]
  Moreover, the switch unit for a handle of the present invention isThe back-side switch member includes a sub case portion that protrudes from the side portion of the second case and is integrally formed. The sub case portion includes the second switch knob and an operation of the second switch knob. A switch contact portion that is turned on and off is provided, and the switch contact portion is electrically connected to the second counter electrode portion or the second elastic electrode portion provided on the second printed circuit board.
  The first printed circuit board includes a first switch contact portion that is turned on / off by an operation of the first switch knob, and a first lead electrode portion that derives a switch signal of the first switch contact portion.
  The first counter electrode portion corresponds to either the first switch knob or the second switch knob, and the first elastic electrode portion corresponds to the first switch knob or the second switch knob. And either one of the second counter electrode part or the second elastic electrode part corresponds to the intermediate switch member.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The drawings of the first embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the present invention will be explained. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the steering wheel switch unit, and FIG. 3 relates to the first embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the present invention, and shows an electrical connection portion between the elastic electrode portion and the counter electrode. FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of a main part showing an engaged state of the first engaging portion of the first embodiment of the switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to the present invention. The principal part perspective view which shows the engagement state of the 2nd engagement part of 1st Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 6: is a front view of the handle | steering wheel to which 1st Embodiment of the switch unit for handle | steering wheels of this invention was attached, FIG. Of the vehicle of the present invention Shows rear view of a first handle embodiment is mounted in a switch unit for bundles, respectively.
[0019]
Next, a first embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. As shown in FIGS. A portion connecting the wheel portion 7 and the pad portion 8, which is composed of a rod-shaped metal core 6 a having a U-shaped cross section and an insulating resin coating 6 b that covers the core 6 a.
[0020]
The front side switch member 3 includes a case main body 3a which is a main body of a case made of an insulating resin and has a lower opening in a shape in which a boat provided with a hole 3e on the bottom is turned down, and a switch knob protruding from the hole 3e. 3f and a printed circuit board 3g mounted and fixed on the surface of the case main body 3a, and turned on and off by the operation of the switch knob 3f. On the back surface of the printed circuit board 3g via the spacer 3h, a lead electrode 3m that is an electrode pattern for leading on / off signals and the like to the outside, a second counter electrode portion 3j that is an electrode pattern provided on the back surface of the printed circuit board 3g It is composed of a mounted printed board 3i and a first counter electrode 3k which is an electrode pattern provided on the printed board 3i. In addition, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the case body 3a, a half dome 3b made of an insulating resin is integrally provided in a shape of a hollow dome having a ceiling hole in half, and the longitudinal direction of the opening of the case body 3a A plate body 31 made of an insulating resin that hangs down from the case body portion 3a and enters the opening of the case body portion 3a is integrally provided near one end of the case body, and a first snap engagement portion 3d is provided on the plate body 31. It has been. Further, a second snap engagement portion 3c is formed at the lower end of the case main body 3a near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the case main body 3a.
[0021]
The back-side switch member 4 is attached to a position on the back side of the front-side switch member 3, is made of insulating resin, has a boat shape, and has a case main body portion 4a having an opening on the upper side and a side portion of the case main body portion 4a that projects integrally 3a, a printed circuit board 4f housed and fixed in the case body 4a, and an elastic metal piece protruding from the electrical component 4g mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 4f. As shown in FIG. 3, the first elastic electrode portion 4h, which is a lead-out electrode portion that elastically contacts the first counter electrode portion 3k provided on the printed board 3i of the front side switch member 3 and leads the signal to the outside, and the printed board 4f A printed circuit board having a connector 4i provided on the back surface, a switch knob 4d protruding from the sub case portion 4e, and a contact portion that is turned on / off by the operation of the switch knob 4d (see FIG. A connector 4j mounted on the surface side of the without), and a flexible wiring board 4k for electrically connecting the connector 4i and the connector 4j.
[0022]
In addition, a half dome portion 4b made of an insulating resin is integrally provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the case main body portion 4a, and a half dome portion 4b made of an insulating resin is formed in half. The first snap engaging portion 4c made of insulating resin which is a protruding portion and the second snap engaging portion 4l which is a through hole provided in the case main body portion 4a are respectively in the longitudinal direction of the case main body portion 4a. It is formed at substantially both ends. Two groove portions 4n are formed on the opposing inner walls 4o, 4o on the side where the half dome portion 4b of the case main body portion 4a is provided by three protrusions 4m along the vertical direction, respectively, in the width direction of the case main body portion 4a. It is provided opposite to. The front switch member 3 and the back switch member 4 are provided on both switch members 3 and 4 by sandwiching the spoke portion 6 so that the side portions of the switch members 3 and 4 are orthogonal to the core metal 6a of the spoke portion 6. When the snap engagement portions 3d and 4c and the second snap engagement portions 3c and 4l are respectively snap-engaged and integrated, the printed circuit board 3i incorporated in the front-side switch member 3 is thereby provided. The first elastic electrode portion 4h incorporated in the printed circuit board 4f of the back side switch member 4 is elastically contacted with the first counter electrode portion 3k, and the front side switch member 3 and the back side switch member 4 are mechanically and electrically connected. Are simultaneously connected to and fixed to the spoke portion 6.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first snap engaging portion 3d is a hole provided in the plate body 3l hanging from the case main body portion 3a into the opening of the case main body portion 3a. Reference numeral 4c denotes a key-like portion protruding from the case main body portion 4a, and the second snap engaging portion 3c is a key-like portion provided on a plate body hanging from the case main body portion 3a, and the second snap engaging portion 4l. Is a hole provided in the upper edge of the case body 4a. When the front-side switch member 3 and the back-side switch member 4 are integrated, the first snap engagement portion 4c, which is a key-like portion, engages with the inner edge of the first snap engagement portion 3d, which is a hole. The second snap engagement portion 3c, which is a portion, engages with the inner edge of the snap engagement portion 4l, which is a hole, thereby completing the integration. At this time, the engaged portions of the first snap engaging portions 4c and 3d are located inside the case main body portions 3a and 4a. Notch portions 9a and 9b are provided in the case main body portions 3a and 4a adjacent to the engaging portions of the first snap engaging portions 3d and 4c, respectively, and the front side switch member 3 and the back side switch member 4 are integrated. Then, the notches 9a and 9b are united to form a jig hole (through hole) 9, and the first engaging portions 3d and 4c inside the case are connected from the outside of the case body 3a and 4a through the through hole 9. In the case of repair or the like, the jig 8 is inserted from the outside of the case and the pressing portion 10a of the plate body 3l is pushed to bend the plate body 3l to engage the first engaging portions 3d and 4c. Is released, the engagement between the front switch member 3 and the back switch member 4 can be easily released, and the handle switch unit 2 can be disassembled.
Moreover, when the front side switch member 3 and the back side switch member 4 are integrated, the half dome parts 3b and 4b are joined together, and the long hole 13 is formed by both.
[0024]
The intermediate switch member 5 is a rectangular plate-shaped insulating resin base portion 5a, protrudes from the base portion 5a, and swings with a cubic switch knob 5d provided at the tip of the swing rod 5c and the swing rod 5c. A switch lever 5b having a swing shaft portion 5e for swinging the rod 5c, a support portion 5f having a through hole 5g that is integrally formed on the base portion 5a and supports the swing shaft portion 5e, and a base portion The printed circuit board 5h is mounted on the printed circuit board 5h which is fixed to 5a and is switched by the swing of the switch lever 5b (not shown), and an electric component 5i mounted on the printed circuit board 5h. In the same manner as the above, it is composed of a second counter electrode portion 3j of the front side switch member 3 and a second elastic electrode portion 5j that is a lead-out electrode portion that elastically contacts and leads a signal to the outside. In addition, two rows of wall portions 5k and a groove portion 5l sandwiched between the wall portions 5k and 5k are formed on two opposing sides of the base portion 5a.
[0025]
When the front switch member 3 and the back switch member 4 are integrated, the intermediate switch member 5 has two rows of wall portions 5k and 5k provided on the two opposite sides of the base portion 5a. When the front side switch member 3 is assembled to the rear side switch member 4 and snap-engaged by inserting two rows of groove portions 4n, 4n respectively provided in opposing portions of the inner wall 4o of the guide 4 as guide portions, the intermediate switch The member 5 is clamped and fixed, and the second elastic electrode portion 5j is brought into elastic contact with the second counter electrode portion 3j. In this way, when the front side switch member 3 and the back side switch member 4 sandwich and integrate the spoke portion 6 and the intermediate switch member 5, the first and second elastic electrode portions 4h, 5j are the first, By elastically contacting the second counter electrode portions 3k and 3j, the handle switch unit 2 can be easily mechanically and electrically connected and fixed to the spoke portion 6, as shown in FIGS. , Attached to the handle 1 and fixed. The swing bar 5 c of the switch lever 5 b is disposed so as to be swingable within a long hole 13 formed by the front side switch member 3 and the back side switch member 4.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The switch knob 3f of the front side switch member 3 is used for a horn switch or cruise control for constant speed driving, and the back side. The switch knob 4d of the switch member 4 is used for selecting a telephone number or making a call, and the switch knob 5d of the intermediate switch member 5 is used for a gear shift change. If necessary, the wheel 7 of the handle 1 is grasped with a hand and operated with a finger while driving.
[0027]
The switch contact portion that is turned on and off by operating the switch knob 3f of the front side switch member 3 is connected to the lead-out electrode portion 3m on the back surface of the printed board 3g of the front side switch member 3 via a wiring on the printed board 3g. . The switch contact portion that is turned on / off by the operation of the switch knob 4d of the back side switch member 4 is elastically contacted with the first counter electrode 3k of the front side switch member 3 by the first elastic electrode portion 4h of the back side switch member 4, and from here on the front side The switch member 3 is connected to the lead-out electrode portion 3m on the back surface of the printed board 3g. The switch contact portion that is turned on / off by the operation of the switch knob 5d of the intermediate switch member 5 is elastically contacted with the first counter electrode 3j of the front side switch member 3 by the second elastic electrode portion 5j of the intermediate switch member 5. The front side switch member 3 is connected to the lead-out electrode portion 3m on the back surface of the printed board 3g.
[0028]
That is, the switch contact portions of the back side switch member 4 and the intermediate switch member 5 are connected to the lead electrode portion 3m of the front side switch member 3, and the switch contact portion of the front side switch member 3 is also connected to the lead electrode portion 3m. The contact portions that are turned on and off by the switch knobs 3f, 4d, and 5d of the switch unit 2 are all connected to the lead electrode portion of the front side switch member 3 in a concentrated manner. One end of a lead wire (not shown) is connected to the lead-out electrode portion 3m of the front side switch member 3, and the other end of the lead wire is led out toward the pad 8 of the handle 1, and is electrically connected to equipment on the vehicle body side. Yes. Accordingly, the on / off signals of the switch contact portions due to the operation of the switch knobs 3f, 4d, 5d of the handle switch unit 2 are collected at the lead-out electrode portion 3m of the front side switch member 3 and sent to the equipment of the vehicle body.
[0029]
Next, the second embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are referred to with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0030]
The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a switch contact portion of the switch knob 4d housed in the sub case portion 4e of the back side switch member 4 and the main body case 4a in the first embodiment. What is housed and connected to the printed circuit board 4f on which the first elastic electrode portion 4h is mounted using the flexible wiring board 4k, the back side switch member 4 is connected to the switch knob side block 11 and the other main body. It can be separated into side blocks.
The body side block is formed with a fitting recess 4u into which the switch knob side block 11 is fitted instead of the sub case portion 4e, and a central hole 4v is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the fitting recess 4u. An engagement hole (not shown) is provided around the central hole 4v on the bottom surface of 4u. An L-shaped elastic conductor portion 4q made of a metal material rich in elasticity and an elastic conductor support portion 4p for supporting the same are mounted on the printed circuit board 4f on which the first elastic electrode portion 4h is mounted in the main body side block. The tip of the L-shaped elastic conductor portion 4q is provided so as to protrude from the central hole 4v of the fitting recess 4u of the main body side block into the fitting recess 4u.
[0031]
The switch knob side block 11 is mounted with a switch case 4x, a switch knob 4d that is guided up and down by the inner surface of the switch case 4x, a rubber contact that is pressed by the switch knob 4d, and a contact portion that is conductive by the rubber contact. The board 4s, the opposing conductor portion 4r formed as an electrode pattern on the exposed surface of the printed board 4s, and two engaging legs 4t protruding from the switch case 4x in the pressing direction of the switch knob 4d. .
When the switch knob side block 11 is fitted into the fitting recess 4u of the main body side block in the pressing direction of the switch knob 4d, the engagement leg 4t of the switch knob side block 11 is provided around the central hole 4v of the fitting recess 4u. It is inserted into the engagement hole and snap-engaged. At this time, the opposing conductor portion 4r on the printed circuit board 4s exposed in the direction of the central hole 4v elastically contacts the elastic conductor portion 4q protruding from the central hole 4v, and mechanical connection between the switch knob side block 11 and the main body side block and Electrical connection is completed at the same time. That is, in this embodiment, instead of the connection using the flexible wiring board 4k performed in the first embodiment, the elastic contact between the elastic conductor portion 4q of the switch knob side block 11 and the opposing conductor portion 4r of the main body side block. Is connected.
[0032]
When the switch knob 4d on the back side switch member 4 becomes unnecessary due to customer request or the like, as shown in FIG. 8, the switch knob side block 11 is replaced with a blind cover 12, and the blind cover 12 is attached to the main body side block. What is necessary is just to engage with the fitting recessed part 4u, insert the engaging leg 4w provided on the blind cover 12 into the engaging hole of the fitting recessed part 4u, and snap-engage. In this way, the switch unit for the handle without the switch knob 4d of the back side switch member can be created without changing the design of the other parts by simply replacing the switch knob side block 11 with the blind cover 12. The appearance is not impaired by the blind cover 12.
[0033]
In the first embodiment, the groove portion 4n as the guide portion is described as being provided on the inner wall 4o of the case main body portion 4a of the back side switch member 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. The groove portion may be on the inner wall of the front side switch member 3 or on the inner wall of both the front side switch member and the back side switch member.
Further, the first elastic electrode portion 4h in the back side switch member 4 of the first embodiment and the first counter electrode portion 3k in the front side switch member 3 are replaced, and the front side switch member 3 has a first elastic electrode. Needless to say, the back side switch member 4 may be provided with a first counter electrode that elastically contacts with the second elastic electrode portion 5j in the intermediate switch member 5 of the first embodiment. Instead of the second counter electrode portion 3j on the front side switch member, a second elastic electrode may be provided on the front side switch member 3, and a second counter electrode elastically contacting this may be provided on the intermediate switch member 5.
[0034]
In the second embodiment, the switch knob side block 11 is provided with the opposing conductor portion 4r, and the main body side block other than the switch knob side block 11 is provided with the elastic conductor portion 4q to be elastically contacted with the counter conductor portion 4r. The switch knob side block 11 may be provided with an opposing conductor portion, and an elastic conductor portion elastically contacting this may be provided on the main body side block.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the handle switch unit of the present invention isHas a spoke partFront side of handleFrom spoke partAttached toAnd a first switch knob on the front side of the handleA front side switch member;HandleBack sideFrom spoke partAttached toAnd a second switch knob on the back of the handleBack side switch member andAre integrated so as to sandwich the spoke part by snap-bonding to each other., These front side switch member and back side switch memberIn the state where the two are snap-coupled, a hole is formed by the front-side switch member and the back-side switch member, and the front-side switch member and the back-side switch memberBetweenIntermediate switch memberPinchedAs,The intermediate switch member is extended to the outside and operated.switchA part of the lever is arranged to be swingable in the hole,Front switch member and back switch partMaterialA first elastic electrode portion that elastically deforms at one of the positions facing each other, and a first counter electrode portion that faces the first elastic electrode portion at the other.RespectivelyA second elastic electrode portion that is elastically deformed at one of the opposed positions of the intermediate switch member and the front-side switch member or the back-side switch member, and the other is a second elastic electrode portion that faces the second elastic electrode portion. 2 counter electrode partsEachFront switch memberWhenBack side switch memberAnd the spoke partAnd intermediate switch memberSnap to joinLetThe second1. Second elastic electrode partIs firstSince the first and second counter electrode portions are elastically contacted, the assemblability of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical connection portion between an elastic electrode portion and a counter electrode according to the first embodiment of the switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the engagement state of the first engagement portion of the first embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part showing an engagement state of a second engagement portion of the first embodiment of the switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a handle to which a first embodiment of a switch unit for a handle of a vehicle according to the present invention is attached.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the steering wheel to which the first embodiment of the steering wheel switch unit of the present invention is attached.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the vehicle steering wheel switch unit of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of a conventional vehicle steering wheel switch unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Handle
2 Vehicle steering wheel switch unit
3 Front side switch member
4 Back side switch member
5 Intermediate switch member
3k first counter electrode part
4h 1st elastic electrode part
3j Second counter electrode part
5j Second elastic electrode part
3m lead-out electrode
3d, 4c first snap engaging portion
3c, 4l 2nd snap engaging part
3f, 4d, 5b Switch knob
4k flexible wiring board
6 spokes
7 Wheel
8 Pad part
9 Jig hole (through hole)
10 Jig
10a Pressing part
11 Switch knob side block
12 blind lid
13 Long hole

Claims

A front switch member having a first switch knob from the front side of the handle on the front side of Rutotomoni the handle is attached to the spokes with the spoke portions, the back side of the handle while being attached to the spoke portion from the back side of the handle A back side switch member having a second switch knob is integrated so as to sandwich the spoke part by snap coupling, and the front side switch member and the back side switch member are snap-coupled to each other. is the hole by the back switch member is formed, a portion of the switch lever to the intermediate switch member is extended Rutotomoni is sandwiched, from the intermediate switch member to external operation between these front switch member and rear side switch member is the It is disposed swingably in the bore, the front side switch member A first elastic electrode portion which elastically deformed in one of mutually opposing positions of the back side switch member, with the other each having a first opposing electrode portion facing the first resilient electrode portions The intermediate switch member and the front-side switch member or the back-side switch member are opposed to each other at a second elastic electrode portion that is elastically deformed, and the other is opposed to the second elastic electrode portion. a second counter electrode portions, respectively, wherein the front switch member and rear side switch member, when the snap coupling so as to sandwich the spoke portions and the intermediate switch member, before Symbol first, second resilient electrodes part previous SL first, handle switch unit of the vehicle, characterized in that as elastic contact with the second opposing electrode section.

2. The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second counter electrode portions are electrode patterns formed on a printed circuit board.

The printed circuit board is composed of a first printed circuit board corresponding to the first switch knob, and a second printed circuit board corresponding to the second switch knob, and a third printed circuit board corresponding to the intermediate switch member, the electrode A pattern is provided at one of the positions where the first printed board and the second printed board are opposed to each other, and the pattern is provided at a position where the first printed board or the second printed board and the third printed board are opposed to each other. The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 2 , wherein the vehicle steering switch unit is provided on either one of the two .

The front-side switch member and the back side switch member, a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that engaging the snap engaging portion which is provided to face each other, respectively Switch unit for handle.

The front-side switch member has a first case for projecting the first switch knob so that the first switch knob can be operated, and the back-side switch member has a second case for projecting the second switch knob so that it can be operated. 2. The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein

The first case and at least one of the inside of the second case, wherein the guide portion for positioning the intermediate switch member relative to the front side switching member or the back side switch member is eclipsed set The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 5 .

The back-side switch member includes a sub case portion that protrudes from the side portion of the second case and is integrally formed. The sub case portion includes the second switch knob and an operation of the second switch knob. A switch contact portion that is turned on and off, and the switch contact portion is electrically connected to the second counter electrode portion or the second elastic electrode portion provided on the second printed circuit board. The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 5 or 6 .

The first printed circuit board includes a first switch contact portion that is turned on / off by an operation of the first switch knob, and a first lead-out electrode portion that derives a switch signal of the first switch contact portion. Item 4. A switch unit for a steering wheel of a vehicle according to Item 3.

The first counter electrode portion corresponds to either the first switch knob or the second switch knob, and the first elastic electrode portion is the first switch knob or the second switch knob. Is provided so as to correspond to the other of the second switch knobs, and either one of the second counter electrode part or the second elastic electrode part corresponds to the intermediate switch member. The vehicle steering wheel switch unit according to claim 1.