JP5015614B2 - Vehicle travel system combination switch device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle travel system combination switch device that is arranged in a column near a steering wheel and is used as an operation system for in-vehicle equipment.

Conventionally, in a general vehicle, a lever combination switch capable of switching contacts of a plurality of switches with one operation system is provided at a position near a steering wheel. An example of this type of lever combination switch is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 and the like, and is generally positioned on the other side of the steering wheel and a ramp-type lever combination switch positioned on one side of the steering wheel. It consists of a wiper lever combination switch. These lever combination switches are generally mechanical switches that use a lever member as an input operation system and output a unique switch output in accordance with each lever operation position. When operating the lever combination switch, the operator selectively switches the switch state by operating the lever member in the cross direction, and operates a desired in-vehicle device (winker, dimmer / passing, wiper, etc.).
JP 2000-182457 A JP 2000-208003 A JP 2000-231841 A

  However, these lamp-type lever combination switches and wiper-type lever combination switches require a single lever combination switch (because the number of operation steps required varies depending on the vehicle type, or the operation direction and the operation amount at that time differ slightly. In other words, the lamp system lever combination switch and wiper system lever combination switch) cannot be shared among a plurality of vehicle types. For this reason, since it is necessary to prepare this type of lever combination switch for each vehicle type, problems such as increased component costs and complicated component management have occurred with the increase in the number of types of lever combination switches.

  In addition, since the steering wheel position differs between the right and left of domestic and export vehicles, it is necessary to arrange the lamp system lever combination switch and wiper system lever combination switch in accordance with that position. However, since this type of lever combination switch outputs a unique switch output according to each lever operation position, the operation direction will be reversed if the lever is reversed left and right. Is virtually impossible, and the lamp lever combination switch and wiper lever combination switch cannot be shared between domestic and export cars. Therefore, this also has an effect on problems such as an increase in parts cost and complicated parts management.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle travel system combination switch device that can suppress the number of switch types required for a vehicle combination switch.

In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, in a vehicle travel system combination switch device that is disposed in the vicinity of a steering wheel of a vehicle and used as an input operation system of various in-vehicle devices, an operation site based on a neutral position is used. A switch unit that is composed of one of a push-up / push-down operation type capable of carrying out a push-up operation and a push-down operation of a certain operation switch, or a push-down operation type accompanied by an operation of pushing the operation switch from a reference position; A control means for determining a switch selection state at that time selected and designated by an operator using the number of times of input of a switch signal input from the switch unit , and a plurality of the switch units arranged in the vertical direction are arranged in the vicinity of the steering wheel. Each of the switch units is provided on the support piece. And design for displaying the functions of the display means to be displayed by the display feature is the display control means in accordance with the switch selection state, and summarized in that at least one is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the operation format of the switch unit is the carry-up / push-down operation type or the push-down type, it can be said that this is a count type in which the switch selection state is determined by the number of operation switches. For example, in the case of a switch unit that turns on / off a light as an in-vehicle device, for example, when the operation switch is moved up once from the neutral position in the light-off state, the vehicle width light is turned on. The light turns on when the returned operation switch is operated once more. On the other hand, when the light is turned off, if the operation switch is operated once while the light is lit, the light turns on the width lamp. After this operation, the operation switch that has returned to the neutral position is turned on once more. When the operation is carried out, the light is turned off.

  By the way, when this type of count type switch unit is used as an input operation system of a vehicle-mounted device, the required operation stage of the input operation system is two stages of an off position and an on position, or an off position and two on positions. Even if the positions are different, such as three stages, it is possible to use the same between them. Therefore, for example, even when the number of operation steps of the input operation system varies depending on the type of vehicle, it is possible to use a common switch unit between these different types of vehicles without any problem.

  In addition, since the steering wheel position of the domestic car and the export car is reversed left and right, the combination switch located around the steering wheel is also reversed right and left. However, even when the position of the input operation system is reversed right and left in this way, the operation direction is simply reversed in this case, so the switch selection state determination process performed by the control means is changed in software. If this is the case, it is possible to detect the switch selection state without any problem even when the arrangement position is reversed horizontally, as in the case of different vehicle types. As described above, it is possible to use a common switch unit among different vehicle types (designs) and export vehicles, and it is possible to reduce the number of switch types required for the vehicle combination switch.

  According to this configuration, since the switch selection state at that time is displayed on the display means by the display control means, it is possible to visually notify the operator of the switch selection state, and the operator is now in which switch position. It becomes possible to recognize whether it is operating.

  In the present invention, a plurality of the switch units are provided in the vehicle, and arranged on both sides with respect to the steering column, the switch unit groups located on the same side with respect to the steering column are different in operation type, At least one of the plurality of the switch units has a plurality of the operation switches according to the in-vehicle device, and the operation types of the plurality of the operation switches are different from each other. The gist of the switch is a momentary type in which the operation switch automatically returns to the operation start position when the operation switch is released after the operation switch is selected and operated.

  According to this configuration, since the switch unit is disposed on both sides with respect to the column, even if there are many types of switch units, this type of switch group is disposed around the steering column without any problem. It becomes possible. Also, when multiple switch units are arranged on the same side with respect to the steering column, these switch units have different operation types, so what is the switch unit when the switch unit is operated? Can be ascertained from the operation format at that time, which is highly effective in suppressing erroneous operation of the switch unit. Further, when a plurality of operation switches are provided in one switch unit, these operation switches have different operation types, so when the operation switch is operated, what the operation switch is is the operation type at that time. It is possible to grasp from the above, and this is effective in suppressing further erroneous operation of the operation switch. In addition, since a momentary switch is used as the operation switch, the operation switch automatically returns to the operation start position, so that no special operation is required when returning to the operation start position, contributing to improved switch operability of the operation switch. To do.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the switch kind required for a vehicle combination switch can be restrained few.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle travel system combination switch device embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the instrument panel 2 is provided in the vehicle interior front part as a various instrument panel, such as a speedometer and an engine speed. The instrument panel 2 is provided with a steering column 3 that transmits the driving operation of the driver to the wheels. A steering wheel 5 that is operated when the driver steers the vehicle 1 is attached and fixed to the front end of the steering shaft 4 (see FIG. 2) extending from the steering column 3 with the same axis as the steering shaft 4.

  On both sides of the steering wheel 5 in the vehicle width direction, column switch groups 6 are provided as vehicle combination switches that are operated when operating various in-vehicle devices such as lights (vehicle width lights), winkers, wipers, engines, automatic transmissions, and the like. ing. The column switch group 6 of this example includes a right column switch 7 located on the right side of the steering wheel 5 and a left column switch 8 located on the left side of the steering wheel 5. The right column switch 7 includes a plurality of switch units 9, 9... Serving as operation locations when operating the on-vehicle equipment, and a right support piece 11 extending from the column cover 10 of the steering column 3 and supporting the switch units 9, 9. Is formed. Similarly to the right column switch 7, the left column switch 8 has a plurality of switch units 12 and one left support piece 13.

  The switch unit 9, 9... Of the right column switch 7 is a lighting system switch unit 9a that is operated when a light and a blinker are operated, a fog switch unit 9b that is operated when a fog lamp is operated, and a cruise control that is operated. And a cruise control switch unit 9c. These switch units 9a to 9c are unitized switch parts that can be handled as one part by themselves, and even if the type (shape, etc.) of the right support piece 11 is different, the right support piece 11 The operation part is arranged so as to be exposed outward from the front end surface of the right support piece 11.

  The switch unit 12, 12... Of the left column switch 8 includes a wiper switch unit 12a that is operated when the wiper is operated, an engine switch unit 12b that is operated when the engine of the vehicle 1 is turned on and off, and an automatic transmission of the vehicle 1. And a shift switch unit (column shift switch) 12c operated when switching the gear position (shift operation position). These switch units 12 a to 12 c are also unitized switch parts that can be handled as one part, like the switch unit 9 of the right column switch 7, and can be attached to a plurality of types of left support pieces 13. An attachment state is assumed in which the operation location is exposed outward from the front end surface of the left support piece 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the right support piece 11 has a shape in which a flat plate-like long plate extends along the steering shaft 4 in the steering column 3 and the tip thereof is bent outward. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3, at the base end of the right support piece 11, a root portion 11 a is bent and formed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the column cover 10 as an attachment portion to the column cover 10. The right support piece 11 has a base portion 11a attached and fixed to the column cover 10 by a plurality of bolts 14, 14,..., And a support cover 15 attached to the outer surface of the right support piece 11 to protect the surface flush. The left support piece 13 also has an attachment structure in which the base portion 13a is bolted and covered with the support cover 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a column post 16 made of high-strength resin having a cylindrical shape is accommodated in the steering column 3, and the steering shaft 4 is accommodated in the column post 16 in a rotatable state. ing. The front end of the steering shaft 4 is exposed from the steering shaft 4, and this portion faces the steering wheel 5 from the steering column 3. Also, inside the steering column 3, a steering roll connector 17 that electrically connects the airbag of the steering wheel 5 and this control system while allowing steering operation is accommodated in a state of being fixedly attached to the column post 16. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, display units 18, 18... Capable of displaying a switch selection state for each switch function of the switch units 9, 9. Is provided. These display units 18, 18... Are composed of, for example, LEDs, lamps, etc., for example, a light system display unit 18a as a light switch system display unit, a winker system display unit 18b as a display unit of a winker switch system, and a dimmer / passing switch. As a display part of the system, there is a dimmer / passing system display unit 18c and the like. In addition, although the same display part 18 is provided also in each switch unit 9b, 9c, 12a-12c, since these differ only in the display form, description is abbreviate | omitted here. The display units 18, 18... Correspond to display means.

  The switch units 9a to 9c are arranged in order from the top in accordance with the driving scene, that is, in order of high priority that should be positioned near the line of sight during driving. Here, looking at the three switch units 9a to 9c existing in the right column switch 7, the lighting system switch unit 9a is most related to traveling, so that this is the switch that should be placed closest to the line of sight. Since the units are in order of the fog switch unit 9b and the cruise control switch unit 9c, in this example, the lighting system switch unit 9a, the fog switch unit 9b, and the cruise control switch unit 9c are arranged in this order from the top. Has been.

  Similarly to the switch units 9a to 9c of the right column switch 7, the switch units 12a to 12c are also arranged in order from the top in accordance with the driving scene, that is, in order of high priority that should be positioned near the line of sight during driving. ing. Here, when looking at the three switch units 12a to 12c existing in the left column switch 8, the wiper switch unit 12a is a switch unit that should be disposed at the position closest to the line of sight because the wiper switch unit 12a relates to running. Since the following is the order of the engine switch unit 12b and the shift switch unit 12c, in this example, the wiper switch unit 12a, the engine switch unit 12b, and the shift switch unit 12c are arranged in this order from the top.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering wheel 5 includes a steering unit 19 that is used as a gripping operation part by a driver during driving, and a wheel main body unit 20 that is located in the center of the steering wheel 5 and that stores an airbag or the like. And are provided. Among these, the lower cover 22 is attached and fixed to the back surface of the steering portion 19 via a plurality of (one in this example) arm portions 21, 21... Extending from the back surface of the steering portion 19. The lower cover 22 has a ring shape and serves as a bottom cover of the steering wheel 5, and can support the steering portion 19 from the bottom.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an annular shaft insertion portion 22a, which is an insertion portion of the steering shaft 4, is formed at the bottom center position of the lower cover 22 while being supported by a pair of support plates 22b and 22b. Yes. The wheel main body 20 is integrally assembled to one of the steering unit 19 and the lower cover 22 integrally formed by resin molding or the like, for example, by a plurality of screws (not shown). The steering wheel 5 is fixedly attached to the steering shaft 4 so as to be integrally rotatable by inserting the steering shaft through the shaft insertion portion 22a of the lower cover 22 and fixing the tip of the steering shaft 4 to the wheel body portion 20. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower cover 22 has a shape that covers the entire end of the steering column 3 from the outer periphery. For this reason, in this type of steering mechanism, there is a gap R between the steering wheel 5 and the steering column 3, and the steering shaft 4 is viewed from the gap R, but the lower cover 22 is Since the gap R is covered from the entire outer periphery of the steering column 3, the gap R (that is, the steering shaft 4) is not exposed to the outside.

  The lighting system switch unit 9a is a switch unit capable of both a rotation operation and a cross operation. When this switch structure is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a rotation operation switch 23 accompanied by a knob rotation operation at the time of the switch operation is provided. And a cross operation switch 24 accompanied by a cross operation of the knob when the switch is operated. The rotary operation switch 23 can be rotated by one step in each of the upward direction and downward direction with respect to the neutral position of the rotational operation knob 23a. When the hand is released from the knob 23a, the rotary operation knob 23a automatically returns to the neutral position. The rotation operation switch 23 of this example is a switch that is operated when the light and the vehicle width lamp are turned on and off.

  Further, the cross operation switch 24 can perform a lateral movement operation (inclination operation in this example) of the cross operation knob 24a by one step in each of the vertical direction and the front-rear direction from the neutral position. Is a momentary type that automatically returns to the neutral position when the hand is released after the up / down tilt operation or the front / back tilt operation. In other words, the cross operation switch 24 of this example can be tilted to four positions in the upward direction, the downward direction, the forward direction (backward direction), and the rearward direction (frontward direction) with respect to the neutral position. The operation knob 24a can be automatically returned. The cross operation switch 24 in this example is a switch that is operated when a blinker or dimmer / passing is turned on and off.

  First, the rotation operation switch 23 will be described. A rotation operation knob 23a, which is an input system of the rotation operation switch 23, is placed in a switch extending direction (FIG. 5) in a switch case 25 that houses various switch parts of the lighting system switch unit 9a. (In the direction of arrow L1) is attached in a rotatable state. The switch case 25 may be integrally formed with the right support piece 11, for example, and an annular knob support portion 26 for rotatably supporting the rotation operation knob 23a is accommodated therein.

  A pair of rod-like projecting pieces 27a and 27b are formed on the bottom surface of the rotary operation knob 23a. Further, the side wall of the knob support portion 26 is provided with a concave portion 26a capable of accommodating the protruding piece 27a and a concave portion 26b capable of accommodating the protruding piece 27b. A pair of first urging springs 28a for urging the rotary operation knob 23a to return to the neutral position when the rotary operation knob 23a is rotated is housed in the recess 26a. The same applies to the recess 26b. A pair of second urging springs 28b having the above functions are accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the switch case 25, a first switch 29a for detecting the lifting operation of the rotating operation knob 23a is located in the moving path ahead of the protruding piece 27a when the rotating operation knob 23a is operated. Is provided. Further, in the switch case 25, a second switch 29b for detecting the lowering operation of the rotating operation knob 23a is provided at the destination of the projecting piece 27b when the rotating operation knob 23a is operated downward. ing. The first switch 29a and the second switch 29b are manual operation automatic return switches that close their contacts only during operation. When the rotary operation knob 23a is raised, the protruding piece 27a turns on the first switch 29a, and the first switch 29a detects the raising operation. When the rotary operation knob 23a is moved downward, the protruding piece 27b turns on the second switch 29b, and the second switch 29b detects the downward operation.

  The cross operation switch 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. A cross operation knob as an input system of the cross operation switch 24 has, for example, a knob shape and is attached to the switch case 25 so as to be tiltable in the cross direction. ing. The cross operation knob 24a is formed with a rod-shaped shaft portion 24b extending along the switch extending direction L1 on the bottom surface, and the shaft portion 24b is supported in a tiltable manner in the switch case 25. ing. The cross operation knob 24a is in a neutral position when the shaft portion 24b is along the switch extending direction L1, and can be tilted along the up and down and front and rear cross directions with respect to the switch extending direction L1. Yes.

  Inside the switch case 25, there is provided a detection switch group 30 for detecting that the cross operation knob 24a is tilted in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction. The detection switch group 30 has a third switch 30a to a sixth switch 30d in its switch housing 31, and the third switch 30a is located at a position where the tip of the shaft portion 24b is located when the cross operation knob 24a is tilted upward. When the switch 30a tilts the cross operation knob 24a downward, the fourth switch 30b tilts the cross operation knob 24a toward the front at a position where the tip of the shaft 24b is positioned. A fifth switch 30c is provided at a position where the tip of the shaft is located, and a sixth switch 30d is provided at a position where the tip of the shaft portion 24b is located when the cross operation knob 24a is tilted to the back. The third switch 30a to the sixth switch 30d are manual operation automatic return switches that close their contacts only during operation.

  For example, when the cross operation knob 24a is tilted upward to turn on the left turn signal, the tip of the shaft portion 24b turns on the third switch 30a, and the third switch 30a detects the left turn signal turn-on operation. When the cross operation knob 24a is tilted downward to light the winker, the tip of the shaft portion 24b turns on the fourth switch 30b, and the fourth switch 30b detects the right winker lighting operation. Further, when the cross operation knob 24a is tilted forward to perform dimmer operation (high beam operation), the tip of the shaft portion 24b turns on the fifth switch 30c, and the fifth switch 30c detects the dimmer operation, and passing is performed. When the cross operation knob 24a is tilted back to operate, the tip of the shaft portion 24b turns on the sixth switch 30d, and the sixth switch 30d detects the passing operation.

  Inside the switch housing 31, there is provided a third urging spring 32 that urges the cross operation knob 24a to return to the neutral position when the cross operation switch 24 is cross-operated in the vertical direction and the front-back direction. Yes. The third urging spring 32 is composed of four spring groups that act to urge the shaft portion 24b that supports the cross operation knob 24a from its four sides to the neutral position, and the cross operation knob 24a extends in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. When the cross is operated, the urging force of these spring groups acts to move the cross operation knob 24a back to the neutral position.

  The engine switch unit 12b is a switch unit that can be pressed. When the switch structure is shown in FIG. 7, the engine switch unit 12b has a pressing operation switch 33 that is accompanied by a pressing operation of a knob. The push-down operation switch 33 of this example can push down the push-down operation knob 33a from the reference position in only one step, and the seventh switch 35 is located at the tip of the shaft portion 33b extending from the lower surface of the push-down operation knob 33a. When is turned on, an engine start operation is detected.

  Further, the push-down operation switch 33 is a momentary type that automatically returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the fourth urging spring 36 in the switch case 34 when the hand is released from the push-down operation knob 33a after being pushed in. Manual operation automatic return switch). The engine switch unit 12b of this example is in a state where the engine starts when the push-down operation knob 33a is pushed when the engine is stopped, and is stopped when the push-down operation knob 33a is pushed during operation of the engine. Become.

  The shift switch unit 12c is a switch unit that can perform a shift-up operation and a shift-down operation with a pull-in operation. FIG. 8 shows this switch structure. A shift operation switch 37 capable of moving operation (in this example, tilting operation) is provided. The shift operation switch 37 of this example can be tilted by one step in each of the upward and downward directions of the shift position by pulling the shift operation knob 37a from the reference position to the near side, Each time the shift operation knob 37a is tilted downward, the shift position is incremented by one step, and each time the shift operation knob 37a is tilted upward, the shift position is incremented by one step. The shift operation switch 37 is a momentary type in which the shift operation knob 37a automatically returns to the original neutral position when the hand is released from the shift operation knob 37a after the shift up operation or the shift down operation.

  The shift operation knob 37a that is an input system of the shift switch unit 12c has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is attached to a switch case 38 that houses various switch parts of the shift switch unit 12c in a tiltable state. . The shift operation knob 37a is formed with a rod-shaped shaft portion 37b extending along the switch extending direction (the direction of the arrow L2 in FIG. 8) on the bottom surface, and this shaft portion 37b can be tilted in the switch case 38. It is in a supported mounting state.

  A guide groove 39 that guides the tilting operation of the shift operation knob 37a is provided through the end surface of the switch case 38. The guide groove 39 of this example includes a restriction guide groove 39a for guiding the shift operation knob 37a to a neutral position, a shift-up operation guide groove 39b extending from the restriction guide groove 39a and extending obliquely, and a restriction guide groove. And a shift-down operation guide groove 39c extending in an inclined manner while extending from 39a. Further, a fifth urging spring 40 is provided in the switch case 38 to urge the shift operation switch 37 to return to the neutral position after the shift operation switch 37 is shifted up or down.

  Inside the switch case 38, an eighth switch 41a for detecting that the shift operation knob 37a has been tilted in the upshift direction and that the shift operation knob 37a has been tilted in the downshift direction are detected. A ninth switch 41b is provided. The eighth switch 41a and the ninth switch 41b are manual operation automatic return switches that close their contacts only during operation. When the shift operation knob 37a is shifted up, the tilted shaft portion 37b turns on the eighth switch 41a and the eighth switch 41a detects the shift up operation. When the shift operation knob 37a is downshifted, the tilted shaft portion 37b turns on the ninth switch 41b and the ninth switch 41b detects the downshift operation.

  Further, after the shift operation knob 37a is shifted up, when the hand is released from the shift operation knob 37a at the upward operation position, the shift operation knob 37a is moved by the shaft portion 37b of the fifth biasing spring 40. The slope of the upshifting operation guide groove 39b is slid down by the urging force, finally enters the regulation guide groove 39a and automatically returns to the neutral position. On the other hand, after the shift operation knob 37a is shifted down, when the hand is released from the shift operation knob 37a at the lowering operation position, the shift operation knob 37a is moved to the fifth biasing spring 40 at its shaft portion 37b. Due to the urging force, the slope of the downshifting operation guide groove 39c slides down, enters the regulation guide groove 39a in the same way as the lifting operation, and automatically returns to the neutral position.

  The wiper switch unit 12a uses the same switch unit parts as the lighting system switch unit 9a. The fog switch unit 9b and the cruise control switch unit 9c may use any switch unit structure among the lighting system switch unit 9a, the engine switch unit 12b, and the shift switch unit 12c, or the lighting system switch unit 9a Either the rotation operation structure of the rotation operation switch 23 or the lateral movement operation structure of the cross operation switch 24 may be used. The rotation operation knob 23a, the cross operation knob 24a, the pressing operation knob 33a, and the shift operation knob 37a constitute an operation switch.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle 1 is provided with a switch system controller 42 that determines the switch selection state of the column switch group 6. This switch system controller 42 has an input side connected to various switches of the various switch units 9 and 12, and an output side connected to the display units 18, 18,. The switch system controller 42 is composed of devices such as a CPU 43 and a memory 44, and operates according to a switch state determination program stored in the memory 44, thereby using column signals using switch signals acquired from various switches of the switch units 9 and 12. It is determined which switch selection state the group 6 is currently in, and the display unit 18 corresponding to the switch selection state is turned on. The switch controller 42 constitutes control means and display control means.

  The switch system controller 42 is disposed at a position away from the switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c, and is disposed, for example, inside the vehicle body under the driver's seat. Further, the electrical wiring group 45 extending from the switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c and the electrical wiring group 46 extending from the display portions 18, 18... Are passed through the inside of the right support piece 11 (left support piece 13), and are steered. The wiring connection state connected to the switch system controller 42 via the column 3 is taken. Further, at the base positions of the right support piece 11 and the left support piece 13, power supplies 47 and 47 for supplying electric power when the display units 18 and 18 are turned on are respectively disposed.

  The switch controller 42 includes various device control ECUs 48 that are control units such as lights (width lights), winkers, and wipers, an engine ECU 49 that is an engine control unit, and a shift that is a control unit of an automatic transmission. The ECU 50 is connected. The switch system controller 42 sends commands according to the determination result of the switch selection state to the various ECUs 48 to 50, and causes these in-vehicle devices to perform an operation according to the switch selection operation. A steering angle sensor 51 that detects the rotation angle of the steering wheel 5 is connected to the switch system controller 42. The switch controller 42 uses the detection signal obtained from the steering angle sensor 51 to recognize the occasional rotation angle of the steering wheel 5.

Next, the operation of the vehicle travel system combination switch device of this example will be described.
First, the operation when the rotation operation switch 23 of the lighting system switch unit 9a is operated will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The switch system controller 42, for example, operates both the light switch system and the light switch system when both the lights and the width lights are turned off. The switch selection state is a light extinction selection state. At this time, the switch system controller 42 turns off all of the vehicle width lamp selection display unit 52a and the light selection display unit 52b which are display members of the light system display unit 18a, and the current switch selection state of the light switch system is turned off. Notify the driver that it is in the selected state.

  When the switch controller 42 detects the lifting operation or the lowering operation of the rotary operation knob 23a by the first switch 29a or the second switch 29b, the switch selection state of the light switch system is changed to the current lifting operation and the lowering operation. The state is switched to the operation selection state according to the operation count value, and a command is sent to the light system display unit 18a and the device control ECU 48 according to the operation count value at that time to activate the light system display unit 18a and the lighting system. The operation count value referred to here means that the item is incremented by one each time the rotary operation knob 23a is moved up, while the item is incremented one by one every time the rotary operation knob 23a is moved down. It is a parameter value according to the set value that falls.

  Here, it is assumed that the operator operates the rotary operation knob 23a once from the neutral position when the light and the width lamp are turned off. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the light switch system is the light extinction selection state, and detects the advance operation of the rotation operation knob 23a by the first switch 29a, the switch selection state is changed to the vehicle width. Switching to the lamp lighting selection state, the vehicle width lamp selection display unit 52a is set to the display state, and a vehicle width lamp lighting request is output to the device control ECU 48 to light the vehicle width lamp. After the operation of turning on the vehicle width lamp, when the operator releases his hand from the rotation operation knob 23a, the rotation operation knob 23a automatically returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the first urging spring 28a and the second urging spring 28b. To do.

  It is assumed that when the vehicle width lamp is lit, the operator further operates the rotary operation knob 23a once from the neutral position. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the light switch system is the vehicle width lamp lighting selection state, when the first switch 29a detects the lifting operation of the rotation operation knob 23a, the switch controller 42 changes the switch selection state. Switching to the light lighting selection state, this time switching the display to lighting of the light selection display section 52b, and outputting a light lighting request to the device control ECU 48 to light the light. After the light is turned on, when the operator releases his hand from the rotation operation knob 23a, the rotation operation knob 23a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the first urging spring 28a and the second urging spring 28b.

  In addition, it is assumed that when the light is turned on, the operator operates the rotary operation knob 23a once from the neutral position. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the light switch system is the light lighting selection state, when the second switch 29b detects a downward operation of the rotary operation knob 23a, the switch controller 42 determines the switch selection state. The display is switched to the width lamp lighting selection state, and this time, the display is switched to lighting of the vehicle width lamp selection display section 52a, and a light turn-off request is output to the device control ECU 48 to turn on the vehicle width light instead of the light.

  Further, it is assumed that when the vehicle width lamp is lit, the operator further operates the rotary operation knob 23a once from the neutral position. When the switch system controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the light switch system is the vehicle width lamp lighting selection state, when the second switch 29b detects the downward operation of the rotation operation knob 23a, the switch selection state Is switched to the light extinction selection state, the vehicle width lamp selection display section 52a and the light selection display section 52b are all turned off, and a vehicle width lamp turn-off request is output to the device control ECU 48 to turn off the vehicle width lamp. . Even when the operator pulls down the rotation operation knob 23a, the rotation operation knob 23a has the first urging spring 28a and the second urging force each time the operator releases his / her hand from the rotation operation knob 23a. The spring 28b automatically returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the spring 28b.

  Subsequently, the operation when the cross operation switch 24 of the lighting system switch unit 9a is operated will be described with reference to FIG. 11. However, the switch system controller 42 indicates that the switch selection state of the winker switch system is changed when the winker is not operating. Recognize that there is no blinker operation. At this time, the switch system controller 42 turns off both the left winker selection display portion 53a and the right winker selection display portion 53b, which are display members of the winker system display portion 18b, and the winker switch system switch selection state indicates no blinker operation. Notify the driver that the condition is present.

  Here, it is assumed that, for example, the operator tilts the cross operation knob 24a once upward from the neutral position in a state where there is no blinker operation. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the winker switch system is a state in which the winker operation is not performed, and detects the upward tilting operation of the cross operation knob 24a with the third switch 30a, the switch selection state is left. Switching to the winker operation selection state, the left winker selection display unit 53a is blinked, and a left blinker lighting request is output to the device control ECU 48 to cause the left winker to blink. After the left blinker lighting operation, when the operator releases his hand from the cross operation knob 24a, the cross operation knob 24a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the third urging spring 32.

  The switch system controller 42 sequentially monitors the rotation angle of the steering wheel 5 when the left blinker selection display unit 53a is turned on. When the switch system controller 42 recognizes that the steering wheel 5 has returned to the neutral position, it determines that the left steering operation of the vehicle has ended, turns off the left turn signal selection display portion 53a, and issues a left turn signal turn-off request. Output to the device control ECU 48 to turn off the left blinker. In addition, when the right turn signal is turned on by tilting the cross operation knob 24a once from the neutral position to turn on the right turn signal, the movement of the various parts is only the reverse of the left turn signal operation. Details are omitted.

  Further, if the dimmer / passing function is inactive, the switch system controller 42 assumes that the dimmer / passing system switch selection state is the no dimmer / passing operation state. Under this condition, the switch system controller 42 turns off both the dimmer selection display section 54a and the passing selection display section 54b which are display members of the dimmer / passing system display section 18c, and the switch selection state of the dimmer / passing system is changed. The driver is notified that there is no dimmer / passing operation.

  Here, it is assumed that when the dimmer / passing function is not activated, the operator tilts the cross operation knob 24a once from the neutral position to the front. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the dimmer / passing switch system is the state without the dimmer / passing operation, and detects the front side tilting operation of the cross operation knob 24a with the fifth switch 30c, The switch selection state is switched to the dimmer operation selection state, the dimmer selection display unit 54a is turned on, and a dimmer operation start request is output to the device control ECU 48 to activate the dimmer function. When the operator releases the cross operation knob 24 a after performing the dimmer operation, the cross operation knob 24 a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the third urging spring 32.

  The dimmer function is released by tilting the cross operation knob 24a once from the neutral position to the back when the dimmer function is in the execution state. That is, when the dimmer function is in the execution state, the switch system controller 42 switches the switch selection state to the state without the dimmer / passing operation when the sixth switch 30d detects an inward tilting operation of the cross operation knob 24a. While the selection display unit 54a is turned off, a dimmer operation cancel request is output to the device control ECU 48 to cancel the dimmer function. When the operator releases the cross operation knob 24 a after releasing the dimmer function, the cross operation knob 24 a automatically returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the third urging spring 32.

  Similarly to the dimmer operation, it is assumed that when the dimmer / passing function is not activated, the operator tilts the cross operation knob 24a once from the neutral position to the back. When the switch system controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the dimmer / passing switch system is the state without the dimmer / passing operation, and detects the back side tilting operation of the cross operation knob 24a with the sixth switch 30d, The switch selection state is switched to the passing operation selection state, the passing selection display unit 54b is turned on, and a passing operation start request is output to the device control ECU 48 to activate the passing function. After the passing operation is performed, when the operator releases his / her hand from the cross operation knob 24 a, the cross operation knob 24 a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the third urging spring 32.

  The passing function is released by tilting the cross operation knob 24a once from the neutral position to the near side when the passing function is in the execution state. That is, when the passing function is in the execution state, the switch system controller 42 switches the switch selection state to the state without the dimmer / passing operation when detecting the front side tilting operation of the cross operation knob 24a with the fifth switch 30c. The selection display unit 54b is turned off and a passing operation release request is output to the device control ECU 48 to release the passing function. After the passing function release operation, when the operator releases his hand from the cross operation knob 24a, the cross operation knob 24a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the third urging spring 32.

  Subsequently, the operation when the push-down operation switch 33 of the engine switch unit 12b is operated will be described with reference to FIG. 12, but the switch system controller 42 indicates that the engine switch system switch selection state is the engine off state when the engine is stopped. Take. When the switch selection state of the engine switch system is the engine off state, the switch system controller 42 turns off the engine operation display unit 18d and notifies that the engine switch system switch selection state is the engine off state.

  Here, it is assumed that when the engine is stopped, the operator pushes the push-down operation knob 33a once from the neutral position to the back. When the switch controller 42 recognizes that the switch selection state of the engine switch system is the engine off state, and detects the pressing operation of the pressing operation knob 33a by the seventh switch 35, the switch selection state is changed to the engine on state. The engine operation display unit 18d is turned on and an engine start request is output to the engine ECU 49 to start the engine. When the operator releases the hand from the pressing operation knob 33a after the engine starting operation, the pressing operation knob 33a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the fourth urging spring 36.

  Also, when the switch controller 42 detects that the pressing switch 33a has been pressed by the seventh switch 35 when the switch selection state of the engine switch system is the engine on state, the switch controller 42 changes the switch selection state to the engine off state. The engine operation display unit 18d is turned off, and an engine stop request is output to the engine ECU 49 to stop the engine. After the engine stop operation, when the operator releases his hand from the pressing operation knob 33a, the pressing operation knob 33a is automatically returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the fourth urging spring 36.

  The operation when the shift operation switch 37 of the shift switch unit 12c is operated will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The switch system controller 42 of the present example is configured so that the shift switch system when the shift operation switch 37 takes the parking selection position. The switch selection state is the parking selection state. When the switch selection state of the shift switch system is the parking selection state, the switch system controller 42 turns on the parking selection display portion 55a of the shift system display portion 18e and notifies that the shift position of the automatic transmission is at the parking position. To do.

  Here, when the operator pulls the shift operation knob 37a toward the front side and tilts it downward once to perform the upshift operation, the switch system controller 42 performs the upshift operation with the eighth switch 41a. Each time the shift up operation is performed, the switch selection state of the shift switch system is sequentially switched to the next higher shift position. That is, every time the switch controller 42 detects the shift-up operation of the shift operation switch 37 with the eighth switch 41a, the switch-system controller 42 performs an operation of switching and setting the switch selection state of the shift switch system to the next shift operation position on the upper side. Take.

  For example, when the switch selection state is the parking selection position, the switch controller 42 switches the switch selection state to the reverse selection state when the eighth switch 41a detects that the shift operation knob 37a has been shifted once. The reverse selection display portion 55b is turned on, and a reverse position setting command is output to the shift ECU 50 to switch the automatic transmission to the reverse position. After the shift-up operation, when the operator releases his / her hand from the shift operation knob 37a, the shaft portion 37b moves down the slope of the shift-up operation guide groove 39b by the biasing force of the fifth biasing spring 40. It automatically returns to the neutral position.

  Further, when the operator pulls the shift operation knob 37a to the near side and tilts it upward once to perform a downshift operation, the switch controller 42 detects the downshift operation with the ninth switch 41b, Each time the shift down operation is performed, the switch selection state of the shift switch system is sequentially switched to the next lower shift position. That is, every time the switch controller 42 detects the downshift operation of the shift operation switch 37 with the ninth switch 41b, the switch controller 42 switches the switch selection state of the shift switch system to the next lower shift operation position. Take.

  For example, when the switch selection state is at the drive position, the switch controller 42 switches the switch selection state to the neutral selection state when the ninth switch 41b detects that the shift operation knob 37a has been shifted up once. The neutral selection display unit 55c is turned on, and a neutral position setting command is output to the shift ECU 50 to switch the automatic transmission to the neutral position. After the shift-down operation, when the operator releases his / her hand from the shift operation knob 37a, the shaft portion 37b of the shift operation knob 37a moves down the slope of the shift-down operation guide groove 39c by the urging force of the fifth urging spring 40. It automatically returns to the neutral position. The same operation is performed during other shift operations.

  Now, in the switch structure of this example, the vehicle combination switch is unitized like switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c, and the number of operations such as the raising operation and the lowering operation of these switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c is made. By looking, the switch structure for determining the switch selection state at that time is taken. For this reason, for example, the light switch system of a certain vehicle type is turned off, the vehicle width light is turned on, and the light is turned on in three steps, and the light switch system of other vehicle types is turned off, auto, the vehicle light is turned on, and the light is turned on. However, it is possible to share a common switch unit between these vehicle types. When the switch function is added, as shown in FIG. 14, an auto selection display unit 52c for notifying the right support piece 11 that the switch selection state of the light system display unit 18a is in the auto selection state is provided. Need to add.

  In addition, a lever combination switch that is generally used as this type of column switch has a switch mechanism at the base of the lever member that is the operation part, and the lever operation that detects the lever tilting operation associated with the column switch operation with the switch mechanism Although the structure is mainstream, such a lever operation structure requires a specific operation such as a lever tilting operation, so the lever member must be shaped to facilitate lever operation, and the design of the column switch is inevitably It will be limited. Also, if the design of the lever member is changed, the movable range required for one-step operation of the lever is likely to change from lever to lever due to the thickness and length of the lever member. It also leads to concerns that a mechanism needs to be prepared. However, if the switch unit structure in which the switch mechanism is unitized as in this example is adopted, there is no restriction of using the lever operation structure, so the lever portion extending from the column cover 10 can be simply the support pieces 11 and 13. As shown in FIG. 15, the lever part can be developed into various designs.

  Further, since the steering wheel position of the domestic vehicle and the export vehicle is reversed left and right, the switch unit 9 group of the right support piece 11 and the switch unit 12 group of the left support piece 13 need to be reversed left and right. Occurs. However, if the switch unit structure as in this example is employed, if the switch controller 42 performs a process of switching the switch selection state discrimination between right and left, as shown in FIG. Even if the left and right are reversed, the switch selection state can be determined without any problem. As described above, since the switch units 9 and 12 can be shared among all vehicle types, designs, and export vehicles, the number of switch parts required for the column switch is reduced, and problems such as an increase in parts cost are less likely to occur.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The vehicle combination switch is unitized like switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c, and the switch system controller 42 controls the number of operations such as the lifting operation and the lowering operation of the switch units 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c. As a result, a switch structure for determining the switch selection state at that time was adopted. For this reason, the same switch units 9 and 12 can be shared with different vehicle types, designs, and exporting countries, and the parts cost can be reduced due to the switch type reduction.

  (2) Since the column switches 7 and 8 are provided with the display portions 18, 18... For visually displaying the switch selection state at that time, the switch selection states of the switch units 9 and 12 can be notified to the driver. The driver can recognize which switch state the switch units 9 and 12 are currently in.

  (3) In the lighting system switch unit 9a, both the light system and the winker system can be operated with one switch unit. In this case, the light system is a rotation operation type and the winker system is a cross operation type. The operation format is different for each vehicle device to be operated. For this reason, even if there are a plurality of operation switches in one switch unit 9a, it is possible to recognize what type of switch unit the switch unit at that time is based on the operation type, which is effective in reducing the frequency of erroneous operations. Is expensive.

  (4) The switch unit 9 (12) provided in the same column switch among the column switch 7 and the column switch 8 is different in operation form. For this reason, when the driver operates the switch unit 9 (12), it is possible to grasp what the switch unit is from the operation format at that time, and it is difficult to cause an erroneous operation of the switch unit 9 (12). can do.

  (5) Supporting pieces 11 and 13 are provided on both sides of the steering column 3, and both of the supporting pieces 11 and 13 are used as switch mounting destinations. Several were provided. For this reason, since a wide area in the vicinity of the steering wheel 5 is an arrangement space for the switch units 9 and 12, even when the vehicle combination switches are wide-ranging (various types), these switch groups can be placed near the column without any problem. Can be arranged.

  (6) Since the switch units 9 and 12 are of a momentary type that automatically returns to the original operation position when the hand is released after the switch operation, there is no need to return to the original operation position after the switch operation, and the switch operability is high. It can be.

  (7) Since the vehicle combination switch is unitized, the switch units 9 and 12 are attached to the vehicle 1 by adopting a structure in which the support pieces 11 and 13 are fixed to the column cover 10 and attached thereto. Therefore, in this mounting structure, since the support pieces 11 and 13 merely function as attachment destinations of the switch units 9 and 12, it is difficult to restrict the shape and the like. If the support pieces 11 and 13 have a high design, the design around the driver's seat in the vehicle can be improved. Further, if the support pieces 11 and 13 are formed in a plate shape as in this example, this type of plate-shaped member has an advantage that vibrations are not easily transmitted. Therefore, the support parts of the switch units 9 and 12 have chatter and the like. This is less likely to occur and the effect is enhanced from the viewpoint of component durability.

  (8) The switch units 9a to 9c (12a to 12c) are arranged in order from the top in accordance with the driving scene, that is, in order of high priority that should be positioned near the line of sight during driving. Therefore, there is no need to change the line of sight when performing switch operation during driving, which is effective in ensuring switch operability during vehicle operation, and the driver performs switch operation without feeling great stress during switch operation. be able to.

  (9) If the vehicle combination switch is unitized, the switch mechanism of the vehicle combination switch is located outside the column cover 10, so the size width W (see FIG. 3) of the column cover 10 can be reduced accordingly. As a result, the steering column 3 can be reduced in size.

In addition, embodiment is not limited to the structure until now, You may change into the following aspects.
The switch units 9 and 12 may employ any of the rotary operation method, the tenth operation method, the push operation method, and the lateral movement operation method that is retracted as described above. When the switch function is installed, any operation formula may be combined.

  The attachment destination of the column switches 7 and 8 is not necessarily limited to the steering column 3, and other places such as the instrument panel 2 and the steering wheel 5 may be used as attachment destinations.

The cross operation switch 24 is not limited to the tilt type that tilts the cross operation knob 24a in the cross direction, but may be a slide type that slides the cross operation knob 24a in the cross direction.
The display units 18, 18... Are not necessarily limited to LEDs and lamps, and for example, a switch selection state may be displayed graphically using a liquid crystal panel.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects.
(1) In Claim 1 or 2 , the switch unit has a plurality of the operation switches in one switch unit corresponding to the in-vehicle device, and the operation types of the plurality of the operation switches are different from each other. . According to this configuration, even if a plurality of operation switches are provided in one switch unit, since these operation switches have different operation types, what is the operation switch when the operation switch is operated? Can be ascertained from the operation format at that time, and the operation switch is less likely to be erroneously operated.

(2) In any one of Claims 1 and 2 and the technical idea (1), a plurality of the switch units are provided according to the in-vehicle device to be operated. According to this configuration, since a plurality of switch units are provided in one vehicle traveling system combination switch device, it is possible to operate a plurality of in-vehicle devices with one vehicle combination switch.

(3) In any one of claims 1 and 2 and the technical ideas (1) and (2), when the operation switch is released from the operation switch after the operation switch is selected and operated, It is a momentary type in which the operation switch automatically returns to the operation start position. According to this configuration, since a momentary switch is used as the operation switch, the operation switch automatically returns to the operation start position, so that no special operation is required when returning to the operation start position. Contributes to improved performance.

(4) In any one of claims 1 and 2 and the technical ideas (1) to (3), a plurality of the switch units are provided in the vehicle and arranged on both sides with respect to the steering column. ing. According to this configuration, since both sides of the steering column are the positions where the switch units are arranged, even if there are many types of switch units, this type of switch group is arranged around the column without any problem. It becomes possible.

(5) In any one of claims 1 and 2 and the technical ideas (1) to (4), a plurality of the switch units are provided in the vehicle and are located on the same side with respect to the steering column. The switch unit group to be operated has a different operation type. According to this configuration, even if a plurality of switch units are arranged on the same side with respect to the steering column, these switch units have different operation types. It is possible to grasp what the unit is from the operation format at that time, which is highly effective in suppressing erroneous operation of the switch unit.

(6) In any one of claims 1 and 2 and the technical ideas (1) to (5), the front end side extends and extends to the operator side, which is attached to and supported by a steering column that supports the steering wheel. An attachment portion is provided, and the switch unit is attached and fixed to the attachment portion. According to this configuration, when the switch unit is assembled to the vehicle, an attachment form is adopted in which the attachment portion is attached to the steering column and the switch unit is attached to the attachment portion. Since the switch unit is a unit part that can be handled as a single part, it is possible to attach the switch unit to these attachment destinations even if the design of the attachment destination is different for each attachment destination. is there. For this reason, when a configuration in which the switch unit is attached to the attachment portion extending from the steering column is adopted, even if the design of the attachment portion changes between the vehicle types, the switch unit can be attached to the attachment portion without any problem on the vehicle. It can be assembled.

  (7) In the technical idea (6), the attachment portion is formed in a flat plate shape. According to this configuration, if the mounting portion is formed in a flat plate shape, the switch unit attached to the mounting portion is supported in a state in which vibration or the like is difficult to be transmitted. Problems such as chattering in the parts group are unlikely to occur.

(8) In any one of Claims 1 and 2, and the technical ideas (1) to (7), the switch unit of the carry-down operation type is orthogonal to the vehicle width direction as the operation switch. A plurality of switch selection functions including a cross operation switch capable of a cross operation along a plane to be rotated and a rotation operation switch capable of a rotation operation around the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, even if a plurality of operation switches are provided in the switch unit, these operation switches are composed of switch groups having greatly different operation types such as a cross operation switch and a rotation operation switch. Highly effective.

The perspective view which shows the in-vehicle steering wheel periphery in one Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of a vehicle steering mechanism. FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view showing a schematic configuration around a steering column. The side view which shows the connection part of a steering wheel and a steering column. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a lighting system switch unit. The top view which shows schematic structure of a lighting system switch unit similarly. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of an engine switch unit. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a shift switch unit. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a vehicle travel system combination switch. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a lighting system switch unit, and the transition of a display part lighting state. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a lighting system switch unit, and the transition of a display part lighting state. Explanatory drawing which shows operation of an engine switch unit, and the transition of a display part lighting state. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation of a shift switch unit, and the transition of a display part lighting state. The top view which shows the other display form of a lighting system switch unit. Explanatory drawing for the advantage description of a switch unit.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 3 ... Steering column, 5 ... Steering wheel, 9 (9a-9c) ... Various switch units, 12 (12a-12c) ... Various switch units, 18 ... Various display parts as a display means, 23a ... Operation switch , A rotary operation knob constituting the operation switch, 33a a pressing operation knob constituting the operation switch, 37a a shift operation knob constituting the operation switch, 42 a control means and a display A switch system controller constituting the control means.

Claims (2)

In a vehicle travel system combination switch device that is disposed in the vicinity of a steering wheel of a vehicle and used as an input operation system of various in-vehicle devices,
The unit consists of one of the push-up operation type that allows the operation switch that is the operation part to be moved up and down with respect to the neutral position, or the push-down operation type that involves pushing the operation switch from the reference position. Switch unit,
Control means for determining the switch selection state at that time selected and designated by the operator using the number of times of input of the switch signal input from the switch unit ,
A support piece arranged in the vicinity of the steering wheel, and a plurality of the switch units arranged vertically.
The support piece is provided with at least one of a design for displaying each function of the switch unit and a display means for displaying a display form corresponding to the switch selection state by a display control means. A vehicle travel system combination switch device. A plurality of the switch units are provided in the vehicle, and arranged on both sides with respect to the steering column, the switch unit groups located on the same side with respect to the steering column are different in operation form,
At least one of the plurality of the switch units has a plurality of the operation switches according to the in-vehicle device, and the operation forms of the plurality of the operation switches are different from each other.
Each operating switches of the plurality of the switch unit, according to claim 1, characterized in that when released from the operation switch after selecting operating the operation switch the manipulation switch is a momentary type to automatically return to the operation start position vehicle running system combination switch apparatus according to.

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